Ultrasonic surgical instrument with piezoelectric central lumen transducer

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly with a housing having a conduit section and a base portion. A fluid passageway is defined through the conduit and base portion, an ultrasonic transducer including a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes are arranged in a stack configuration, where an electrode is located between each pair of piezoelectric elements. A first borehole is defined through the ultrasonic transducer and an end mass having a second borehole defined therethrough. A surface of the end mass is positioned adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, the end mass is configured to engage with the housing, and the conduit section of the housing is configured to pass through the second borehole of the end mass. The end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against a surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/361,136, entitled ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER, and filed on Jul. 12, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/381,785, entitled ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PIEZOELECTRIC CENTRAL LUMEN TRANSDUCER, and filed on Aug. 31, 2016, each of which is herein entirely incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to ultrasonic surgical systems and, more particularly, to ultrasonic systems that allows surgeons to perform cutting and coagulation and adapt and customize techniques for performing such procedures.

BACKGROUND

Ultrasonic surgical instruments are finding increasingly widespread applications in surgical procedures by virtue of the unique performance characteristics of such instruments. Depending upon specific instrument configurations and operational parameters, ultrasonic surgical instruments can provide substantially simultaneous cutting of tissue and hemostasis by coagulation, desirably minimizing patient trauma. The cutting action is typically realized by an—end effector, or blade tip, at the distal end of the instrument, which transmits ultrasonic energy to tissue brought into contact with the end effector. Ultrasonic instruments of this nature can be configured for open surgical use, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgical procedures including robotic-assisted procedures.

Some surgical instruments utilize ultrasonic energy for both precise cutting and controlled coagulation. Ultrasonic energy cuts and coagulates by vibrating a blade in contact with tissue. Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g., 55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum. Pressure exerted on tissue with the blade surface collapses blood vessels and allows the coagulum to form a hemostatic seal. The precision of cutting and coagulation is controlled by the surgeon's technique and adjusting the power level, blade edge, tissue traction, and blade pressure.

Some areas of improvement for ultrasonic surgical instruments exist. The cost of such instruments remains a barrier for wider applicability. For example, the cost of the transducer has to be lowered substantially to allow for the integration of a transducer into a single patient use device. One of the cost drivers for transducers is the complexity of the piezoelectric element(s) or combination of elements being used. It would be desirable to provide a surgical instrument that overcomes some of the deficiencies of current instruments. The surgical system described herein overcomes those deficiencies.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a cost-effective geometry for a piezoelectric transducer production is a round plate or disk. The usage of paired parallel plates in combination with wet assembly, the geometric tolerances of the individual plate surfaces and parallelism may also be used to improve the performance of and lower the cost of ultrasonic surgical instruments. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure include a combination of an externally compressed piezoelectric stack and a central fluid lumen that combine to form a package enabling an ultrasonic surgical instrument to be used in procedures that require introduction or removal of fluid.

Aspects of the present disclosure also provide improved efficiency relative to a distal flange style half wave transducer because a piezoelectric transducer may be located at the node. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of the present disclosure may provide improved efficiency based on providing a compact form factor (in one aspect, there is a savings of approximately 0.250″ on an outer diameter of a transducer assembly), comparative cost savings through elimination of components (e.g. a housing and end cap), robust sealing due to reduction in leak paths, and elimination or reduction of elastomeric components used for sealing. Welded and sealed transducers could be exposed directly to the body, tissues, blood, etc. with a minimal risk of exposure to the moisture-sensitive electrode elements and metallization of the ceramic disks. Accordingly, these aspects may improve longevity of a transducer, which would enable more procedures. An increase in the number of procedures performed can reduce the cost of goods sold further since the costs would be amortized over more procedures.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a central lumen that can be implemented axisymmetrically about the centerline of an ultrasonic transducer in a transducer assembly for use in an ultrasonic surgical instrument. In many instances, it is desirable to deliver fluid to or remove fluid from the tissue effecting region of an ultrasonic based energy device. A central lumen may act as a conduit for fluid transport. In order to create a spatially economic package, the component reacting to the compression force of the piezoelectric elements of the ultrasonic transducer may be located radially external to the disks. According to aspects, the architecture of a piezoelectric transducer disclosed herein simplifies the implementation of the central lumen. Additionally, external threads (or other fastening mechanism) on the component defining the lumen allow for the constant distribution of material spanning the entire length of the lumen within the transducer. This constant distribution may also negate the need for sealing (based on an O-ring, a interference or press fit, etc.), which may encumber cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilization processes for a surgical instrument. Benefits of the present disclosure may include reduction in the size of radial packages, especially when compared to a centrally located compression mechanism, (e.g. a bolt). Benefits may also include cooler operating temperatures that allow for higher available tissue power, elimination of the necessity of lumen sealing within an ultrasonic transducer region, facilitation of simple electrical connections, and alignment of electrodes for construction of the transducer assembly.

In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for dissecting and coagulating tissue. The apparatus comprises: a surgical instrument having an end effector configured to interact with a tissue at a distal end thereof, a generator electrically coupled to the surgical instrument and configured to deliver ultrasonic energy to the end effector to allow the end effector to interact with the tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a transducer assembly comprising a housing and an ultrasonic transducer, where the ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes arranged in a stack configuration Each of the plurality of electrodes is located between each pair of solid piezoelectric elements, with an end mass positioned adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer. The end mass is configured to engage with the housing and the end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against an interior surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing.

In another aspect, the surgical instrument comprises a transducer assembly comprising a housing; an ultrasonic transducer comprising a plurality of solid piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes arranged in a stack configuration having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end, wherein each of a plurality of electrodes is located between each pair of solid piezoelectric elements such that an electrode is located at the first end of the stack configuration, and an electrode is located at the second end of the stack configuration; an end mass positioned along the longitudinal axis adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer and coupled to the ultrasonic transducer, where the end mass is configured to engage with the housing, where the end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against an interior surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing, and where a first solid piezoelectric element of the plurality of solid piezoelectric elements and a second solid piezoelectric element of the plurality of solid piezoelectric elements are electrically connected in parallel.

In another aspect, a surgical instrument comprises a transducer assembly comprising a housing, an ultrasonic transducer, and an end mass having a first end, a second end, and an aperture therethrough. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes arranged in a stack configuration having a first end and a second end, wherein a first electrode is located between a first pair of piezoelectric elements, a second electrode is located between a second pair of piezoelectric elements, a third electrode is located at the first end of the stack configuration, and a fourth electrode is located at the second end of the stack configuration, a first spacer element positioned in contact with the third electrode, and a second spacer element positioned in contact with the fourth electrode. The end mass is positioned adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the end mass is configured to engage with the housing and the end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against an interior surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing. In addition, the first end of the end mass contacts the first spacer element when the end mass compresses the ultrasonic transducer and the second spacer element contacts the interior surface of the housing when the end mass compresses the ultrasonic transducer.

In another aspect, a surgical instrument for coagulating and dissecting tissue comprises a transducer assembly that comprises a housing, an ultrasonic transducer, and an end mass. The housing comprises a conduit section and a base portion, where a fluid passageway is defined through the conduit section and the base portion. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes arranged in a stack configuration, where each of the plurality of electrodes is located between each pair of piezoelectric elements and a first borehole is defined through the ultrasonic transducer. The end mass comprises a second borehole defined therethrough, a surface of the end mass is positioned adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, and the end mass is configured to engage with the housing. Further, the conduit section of the housing is configured to pass through the first borehole of the ultrasonic transducer and the second borehole of the end mass and the end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against an interior surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing.

In another aspect, a surgical instrument for coagulating and dissecting tissue comprises a transducer assembly that comprises a housing, an ultrasonic transducer, and an end mass. The housing comprises a conduit section and a base portion, where a fluid passageway is defined through the conduit section and the base portion. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes arranged in a stack configuration, and the ultrasonic transducer has a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. A first borehole is defined through the ultrasonic transducer, where each of the plurality of electrodes is located between each pair of piezoelectric elements, a second electrode is located at the first end of the ultrasonic transducer, and a third electrode is located at the second end of the ultrasonic transducer. The end mass comprises a second borehole defined therethrough and the end mass positioned along the longitudinal axis and adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, where the end mass is configured to engage with the housing. The conduit section of the housing is configured to pass through the first borehole of the ultrasonic transducer and the second borehole of the end mass, and the end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against a surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing, and a first piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements and a second piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements are electrically connected in parallel.

In another aspect, a transducer assembly comprises a housing, a conductive element, an insulator, and an ultrasonic transducer. The housing comprises a conduit section and a base portion, where a fluid passageway is defined through the conduit section and the base portion. The conductive element at least partially surrounds the conduit section of the housing and the insulator is positioned between the conductive element and the conduit section so that the insulator electrically isolates the conductive element from the conduit section. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes arranged in a stack configuration. The ultrasonic transducer has a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end, where a first borehole is defined through the ultrasonic transducer, each of the plurality of electrodes is located between each pair of piezoelectric elements, a second electrode is located at the first end of the ultrasonic transducer, and a third electrode is located at the second end of the ultrasonic transducer. Further, each of the plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to the conductive element. The end mass comprises a second borehole defined therethrough and the end mass is positioned along the longitudinal axis and adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer. The end mass is configured to engage with the housing, the conduit section of the housing is configured to pass through the first borehole of the ultrasonic transducer and the second borehole of the end mass, the end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against a surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing, and a first piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements and a second piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements are electrically connected in parallel.

In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or system and/or program product aspects are set forth and described in the teachings such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present disclosure.

The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.

In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting herein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to affect the herein-referenced method aspects depending upon the design choices of the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or system aspects are set forth and described in the teachings such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present disclosure.

Further, it is understood that any one or more of the following-described aspects, expressions of aspects, examples, can be combined with any one or more of the other following-described aspects, expressions of aspects, and examples.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, forms, and features described above, further aspects, forms, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

FIGURES

The novel features of the described aspects are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The described aspects, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, may be best understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one aspect of a surgical system comprising a generator and various surgical instruments usable therewith;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of various aspects of the surgical system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of one aspect of the combination ultrasonic and electrosurgical instrument of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a model of one aspect of an equivalent circuit of an ultrasonic transducer illustrating a motional branch current;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of one aspect of an ultrasonic transducer assembly;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic transducer component of the ultrasonic transducer assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the transducer assembly shown in FIG. 5 showing an opening defined by a housing portion of the transducer assembly;

FIG. 8 is a finite element analysis mesh of the stresses on the transducer assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a front view of an aspect of a combination end mass and ultrasonic transducer of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an aspect of a first electrode of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top view of an aspect of a second electrode of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top view of an aspect of a third electrode of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of another aspect of a transducer assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an aspect of a transducer assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the transducer assembly shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of an aspect of a transducer assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a photograph of a transducer assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a photograph of the transducer assembly shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a front view of another transducer assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another transducer assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a piston device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a socket head device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a diagram of one aspect of a surgical system including an ultrasonic surgical instrument;

FIG. 24 is a cross section of an aspect of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of one aspect of an ultrasonic transducer assembly;

FIG. 26 is a cross section of the ultrasonic transducer assembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an aspect of a housing of the ultrasonic transducer assembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of components of an aspect of an ultrasonic transducer assembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is another perspective view of components of an aspect of the ultrasonic transducer assembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an aspect of an electrode of the ultrasonic transducer assembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an aspect of an electrode of the ultrasonic transducer assembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 32 is a close up view of an aspect of an electrode and conductive element of the ultrasonic transducer assembly shown in FIG. 25; and

DESCRIPTION

Before explaining various aspects of surgical instruments in detail, it should be noted that the illustrative aspects are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative aspects may be implemented or incorporated in other aspects, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions utilized herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative aspects for the convenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limitation thereof.

Further, it is understood that any one or more of the following-described aspects, expressions of aspects, examples, can be combined with any one or more of the other following-described aspects, expressions of aspects, and examples.

Various aspects are directed to improved ultrasonic and/or combination electrosurgical (RF) and ultrasonic instruments configured for effecting tissue dissecting, cutting, and/or coagulation during surgical procedures. In one aspect, a combined ultrasonic and electrosurgical instrument may be configured for use in open surgical procedures, but has applications in other types of surgery, such as laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic-assisted procedures. Versatile use is facilitated by selective use of ultrasonic and/or ultrasonic and RF energy.

The various aspects will be described in association with an ultrasonic instrument as described herein. Such description is provided by way of example, and not limitation, and is not intended to limit the scope and applications thereof. For example, any one of the described aspects is useful in combination with a multitude of ultrasonic instruments including those described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,322,055; 5,449,370; 5,630,420; 5,935,144; 5,938,633; 5,944,737; 5,954,736; 6,278,218; 6,283,981; 6,309,400; 6,325,811; 6,387,109; 6,491,708; 7,821,143; 8,147,508; 8,152,825; 8,277,471; 8,430,898; 8,512,364; 8,882,792; and 9,114,245; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US20050192612; US2011/0040212; US2011/0040213; US20120215244; 20130090576; 20130197550; and US20130253558, each of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As will become apparent from the following description, it is contemplated that aspects of the surgical instruments described herein may be used in association with an oscillator unit of a surgical system, whereby ultrasonic energy from the oscillator unit provides the desired ultrasonic actuation for the present surgical instrument. It is also contemplated that aspects of the surgical instrument described herein may be used in association with a signal generator unit of a surgical system, whereby electrical energy in the form of radio frequencies (RF), for example, is used to provide feedback to the user regarding the surgical instrument. The ultrasonic oscillator and/or the signal generator unit may be non-detachably integrated with the surgical instrument or may be provided as separate components, which can be electrically attachable to the surgical instrument.

One aspect of the present surgical apparatus is particularly configured for disposable use by virtue of its straightforward construction. However, it is also contemplated that other aspects of the present surgical instrument can be configured for non-disposable or multiple uses. Detachable connection of the present surgical instrument with an associated oscillator and signal generator unit is presently disclosed for single-patient use for illustrative purposes only. However, non-detachable integrated connection of the present surgical instrument with an associated oscillator and/or signal generator unit is also contemplated. Accordingly, various aspects of the presently described surgical instruments may be configured for single use and/or multiple use with either detachable and/or non-detachable integral oscillator and/or signal generator unit, without limitation, and all combinations of such configurations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, one aspect of a surgical system 100 including an ultrasonic surgical instrument is described. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one aspect of a surgical system 100 comprising a generator 102 and various surgical instruments 104, 108 usable with the surgical system 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the ultrasonic surgical instrument 104 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In various aspects, the generator 102 may comprise several separate functional elements, such as modules and/or blocks. Different functional elements or modules may be configured for driving the different kinds of surgical instruments 104, 108. For example, an ultrasonic generator drive circuit 114 may drive ultrasonic devices such as the ultrasonic surgical instrument 104 via a cable 142. An electrosurgery/RF generator drive circuit 116 may drive the electrosurgical instrument (not shown) via a cable (not shown). For example, the respective drive circuits 114, 116 may generate respective drive signals for driving an appropriate surgical instrument 104, 108. In various aspects, the ultrasonic generator drive circuit 114 (e.g., ultrasonic drive circuit) and/or the electrosurgery/RF generator drive circuit 116 (e.g., RF drive circuit) each may be formed integrally with the generator 102. Alternatively, one or more of the drive circuits 114, 116 may be provided as a separate circuit module electrically coupled to the generator 102. (The drive circuits 114 and 116 are shown in phantom to illustrate this option.) Also, in some aspects, the electrosurgery/RF generator drive circuit 116 may be formed integrally with the ultrasonic generator drive circuit 114, or vice versa. Also, in some aspects, the generator 102 may be omitted entirely and the drive circuits 114, 116 may be executed by processors or other hardware within the respective surgical instruments 104, 108.

In other aspects, the electrical outputs of the ultrasonic generator drive circuit 114 and the electrosurgery/RF generator drive circuit 116 may be combined into a single drive circuit to provide a single electrical signal capable of driving the multifunction surgical instrument 108 simultaneously with electrosurgical RF and ultrasonic energies via a cable 146. The multifunction surgical instrument 108 comprises an ultrasonic transducer component 120 coupled to an ultrasonic blade 149 and one or more electrodes in the end effector 124 to receive electrosurgical RF energy. In such implementations, the combined RF/ultrasonic signal is coupled to the multifunction surgical instrument 108. The multifunction surgical instrument 108 comprises signal processing components to split the combined RF/ultrasonic signal such that the RF signal can be delivered to the electrodes in the end effector 125 and the ultrasonic signal can be delivered to the ultrasonic transducer component 120.

In accordance with the described aspects, the ultrasonic generator drive circuit 114 may produce a drive signal or signals of particular voltages, currents, and frequencies, e.g., 55,500 cycles per second (Hz). The drive signal or signals may be provided to the ultrasonic surgical instrument 104, and specifically to the transducer component 120, which may operate, for example, as described herein. The transducer component 120 and a waveguide extending through the shaft 126 (waveguide not shown in FIG. 1) may collectively form an ultrasonic drive system driving an ultrasonic blade 128 of an end effector 122. In one aspect, the generator 102 may be configured to produce a drive signal of a particular voltage, current, and/or frequency output signal that can be modified with high resolution, accuracy, and repeatability.

The generator 102 may be activated to provide the drive signal to the transducer component 120 in any suitable manner. For example, the generator 102 may comprise a foot switch 130 coupled to the generator 102 via a foot switch cable 132. A clinician may activate the transducer component 120 by depressing the foot switch 130. In addition, or instead of the foot switch 130 some aspects of the ultrasonic surgical instrument 104 may utilize one or more switches positioned on the hand piece that, when activated, may cause the generator 102 to activate the transducer component 120. In one aspect, for example, the one or more switches may comprise a pair of toggle buttons 134 a, 134 b (FIG. 2), for example, to determine an operating mode of the surgical instrument 104. When the toggle button 134 a is depressed, for example, the ultrasonic generator 102 may provide a maximum drive signal to the transducer component 120, causing it to produce maximum ultrasonic energy output. Depressing toggle button 134 b may cause the ultrasonic generator 102 to provide a user-selectable drive signal to the transducer component 120, causing it to produce less than the maximum ultrasonic energy output. The surgical instrument 104 additionally or alternatively may comprise a second switch (not shown) to, for example, indicate a position of a jaw closure trigger for operating jaws of the end effector 122. Also, in some aspects, the ultrasonic generator 102 may be activated based on the position of the jaw closure trigger, (e.g., as the clinician depresses the jaw closure trigger to close the jaws, ultrasonic energy may be applied). Additionally or alternatively, the one or more switches may comprise a toggle button 134 c that, when depressed, causes the generator 102 to provide a pulsed output. The pulses may be provided at any suitable frequency and grouping, for example. In certain aspects, the power levels of the pulses may be the same as the power levels associated with toggle buttons 134 a, 134 b (maximum, less than maximum), for example.

In accordance with the described aspects, the electrosurgery/RF generator drive circuit 116 may generate a drive signal or signals with output power sufficient to perform bipolar electrosurgery using radio frequency (RF) energy. In bipolar electrosurgery applications, the drive signal may be provided, for example, to electrodes of an electrosurgical instrument (not shown), for example. Accordingly, the generator 102 may be configured for therapeutic purposes by applying electrical energy to the tissue sufficient for treating the tissue (e.g., coagulation, cauterization, tissue welding).

The generator 102 may comprise an input device 110 located, for example, on a front panel of the generator 102 console. The input device 110 may comprise any suitable device that generates signals suitable for programming the operation of the generator 102. In operation, the user can program or otherwise control operation of the generator 102 using the input device 110. The input device 110 may comprise any suitable device that generates signals that can be used by the generator (e.g., by one or more processors contained in the generator) to control the operation of the generator 102 (e.g., operation of the ultrasonic generator drive circuit 114 and/or electrosurgery/RF generator drive circuit 116). In various aspects, the input device 110 includes one or more of buttons, switches, thumbwheels, keyboard, keypad, touch screen monitor, pointing device, remote connection to a general purpose or dedicated computer. In other aspects, the input device 110 may comprise a suitable user interface, such as one or more user interface screens displayed on a touch screen monitor, for example. Accordingly, by way of the input device 110, the user can set or program various operating parameters of the generator, such as, for example, current (I), voltage (V), frequency (f), and/or period (T) of a drive signal or signals generated by the ultrasonic generator drive circuit 114 and/or electrosurgery/RF generator drive circuit 116.

The generator 102 also may comprise an output device 112 (FIGS. 1, 2), such as an output indicator, located, for example, on a front panel of the generator 102 console. The output device 112 includes one or more devices for providing a sensory feedback to a user. Such devices may comprise, for example, visual feedback devices (e.g., a visual feedback device may comprise incandescent lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), graphical user interfaces (GUIs), displays, analog indicators, digital indicators, bar graph displays, digital alphanumeric displays, light crystal display (LCD) display screens, LED indicators), audio feedback devices (e.g., an audio feedback device may comprise speakers, buzzers, audible devices, computer generated tones, computerized speechs, voice user interfaces (VUIs) to interact with computers through a voice/speech platform), or tactile feedback devices (e.g., a tactile feedback device comprises any type of vibratory feedback, haptic actuator).

In one aspect, the ultrasonic generator drive circuit 114 and electrosurgery/RF drive circuit 116 may comprise one or more embedded applications implemented as firmware, software, hardware, or any combination thereof. The drive circuits 114, 116 may comprise various executable modules such as software, programs, data, drivers, application program interfaces (APIs), and so forth. The firmware may be stored in nonvolatile memory (NVM), such as in bit-masked read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory. In various implementations, storing the firmware in ROM may preserve flash memory. The NVM may comprise other types of memory including, for example, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or battery backed random-access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), Double-Data-Rate DRAM (DDRAM), and/or synchronous DRAM (SDRAM).

In one aspect, the drive circuits 114, 116 comprise a hardware component implemented as a processor for executing program instructions for monitoring various measurable characteristics of the surgical instruments 104, 108 and generating a corresponding output control signals for operating the surgical instruments 104, 108. In aspects in which the generator 102 is used in conjunction with the surgical instrument 104, the output control signal may drive the ultrasonic transducer component 120 in cutting and/or coagulation operating modes. Electrical characteristics of the surgical instrument 104 and/or tissue may be measured and used to control operational aspects of the generator 102 and/or provided as feedback to the user. In aspects in which the generator 102 is used in conjunction with an electrosurgical instrument, the output control signal may supply electrical energy (e.g., RF energy) to the end effector of the electrosurgical instrument in cutting, coagulation and/or desiccation modes. Electrical characteristics of the electrosurgical instrument and/or tissue may be measured and used to control operational aspects of the generator 102 and/or provide feedback to the user. In various aspects, as previously discussed, the hardware component may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable logic device (PLD), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other circuit, and/or register. In one aspect, the processor may be configured to store and execute computer software program instructions to generate the output signal functions for driving various components of the surgical instruments 104, 108, such as the ultrasonic transducer component 120 and the end effectors 122, 125.

Although certain modules, circuits, and/or blocks of the generator 102 may be described by way of example, it can be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of modules, circuits, and/or blocks may be used and still fall within the scope of the aspects. Further, although various aspects may be described in terms of modules, circuits, and/or blocks to facilitate description, such modules, circuits, and/or blocks may be implemented by one or more hardware components, e.g., processors, DSPs, PLDs, ASICs, circuits, registers and/or software components, e.g., programs, subroutines, logic and/or combinations of hardware and software components. Also, in some aspects, the various modules described herein may be implemented utilizing similar hardware positioned within the surgical instruments 104, 108 (i.e., the generator 102 may be omitted).

FIG. 2 illustrates generator 102 configured to drive multiple surgical instruments 104, 108. The first surgical instrument 104 comprises a handpiece 105, an ultrasonic transducer component 120, a shaft 126, and an end effector 122. The end effector 122 comprises an ultrasonic blade 128 acoustically coupled to the transducer component 120 and a clamp arm 140. The handpiece 105 comprises a trigger 143 to operate the clamp arm 140 and a combination of the toggle buttons 134 a, 134 b, 134 c to energize and drive the ultrasonic blade 128 or other function. The toggle buttons 134 a, 134 b, 134 c can be configured to energize the ultrasonic transducer component 120 with the generator 102. Still with reference to FIG. 2, the generator 102 also is configured to drive a combination electrosurgical and ultrasonic instrument 108. The combination electrosurgical and ultrasonic multifunction surgical instrument 108 comprises a handpiece 109, a shaft 129, and an end effector 125. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade 149 and a clamp arm 145. The ultrasonic blade 149 is acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer component 120. The handpiece 109 comprises a trigger 147 to operate the clamp arm 145 and a combination of the toggle buttons 137 a, 137 b, 137 c to energize and drive the ultrasonic blade 149 or other function. The toggle buttons 137 a, 137 b, 137 c can be configured to energize the ultrasonic transducer component 120 with the generator 102 and energize the ultrasonic blade 149 with a bipolar energy source also contained within the generator 102. The generator 102 is coupled to an ultrasonic transducer component 120 of the combination electrosurgical and ultrasonic instrument 108 via a cable 142.

The generator 102 also is configured to drive a surgical instrument 104. The generator 102 is coupled to an ultrasonic transducer component 120 of the surgical instrument 104 via a cable 146 (See FIG. 1). The ultrasonic transducer component 120 of the surgical instrument 104 and a waveguide extending through a shaft 126 (waveguide not shown in FIG. 2) may collectively form an ultrasonic drive system driving an ultrasonic blade 128 of an end effector 122. The end effector 122 further may comprise a clamp arm 140 to clamp tissue between the clamp arm 140 and the ultrasonic blade 128. In one aspect, the generator 102 may be configured to produce a drive signal of a particular voltage, current, and/or frequency output signal that can be stepped or otherwise modified with high resolution, accuracy, and repeatability.

It will be appreciated that the surgical instrument 104 may comprise any combination of the toggle buttons 134 a, 134 b, 134 c. For example, the surgical instrument 104 could be configured to have only two toggle buttons: a toggle button 134 a for producing maximum ultrasonic energy output and a toggle button 134 c for producing a pulsed output at either the maximum or less than maximum power level. In this way, the drive signal output configuration of the generator 102 could be 5 continuous signals and or a suitable number of (e.g. between 1 to 5) pulsed signals. In certain aspects, the specific drive signal configuration may be controlled based upon, for example, EEPROM settings in the generator 102 and/or user power level selection(s). In certain aspects, a two-position switch may be provided as an alternative to a toggle button 134 c. For example, a surgical instrument 104 may include a toggle button 134 a for producing a continuous output at a maximum power level and a two-position toggle button 134 b. In a first position, toggle button 134 b may produce a continuous output at a less than maximum power level, and in a second position the toggle button 134 b may produce a pulsed output (e.g., at either a maximum or less than maximum power level, depending upon the EEPROM settings).

With reference to FIG. 3, aspects of the generator 102 may enable communication with instrument-based data circuits. For example, the generator 102 may be configured to communicate with a first data circuit 136 and/or a second data circuit 138. For example, the first data circuit 136 may indicate a burn-in frequency slope, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, any type of information may be communicated to second data circuit 138 for storage therein via a data circuit interface (e.g., using a logic device). Such information may comprise, for example, an updated number of operations in which the instrument has been used and/or dates and/or times of its usage. In certain aspects, the second data circuit may transmit data acquired by one or more sensors (e.g., an instrument-based temperature sensor). In certain aspects, the second data circuit 138 may receive data from the generator 102 and provide an indication to a user (e.g., an LED indication or other visible indication) based on the received data. The second data circuit 138 may be contained in the multifunction surgical instrument 108. In some aspects, the second data circuit 138 may be implemented in a manner similar to that of the first data circuit 136 described herein.

An instrument interface circuit may comprise a second data circuit 138 interface to enable this communication. In one aspect, the second data circuit interface may comprise a tri-state digital interface, although other interfaces also may be used. In certain aspects, the second data circuit 138 may generally be any circuit for transmitting and/or receiving data. In one aspect, for example, the second data circuit 138 may store information pertaining to the particular surgical instrument with which it is associated. Such information may include, for example, a model number, a serial number, a number of operations in which the surgical instrument has been used, and/or any other type of information. In some aspects, the second data circuit 138 may store information about the electrical and/or ultrasonic properties of an associated transducer component 120, end effector 122, or ultrasonic drive system. Various processes and techniques described herein may be executed by a generator. It will be appreciated, however, that in certain aspects, all or a part of these processes and techniques may be performed by internal logic 139 of the multifunction surgical instrument 108.

Furthermore, the generator 102 may be configured to functionally operate in a manner similar to the GEN300 sold by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio as is disclosed in one or more of the following U.S. patents, all of which are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. 6,480,796 (Method for Improving the Start Up of an Ultrasonic System Under Zero Load Conditions); U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,291 (Method for Detecting Blade Breakage Using Rate and/or Impedance Information); U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,127 (Method for Detecting Presence of a Blade in an Ultrasonic System); U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,899 (Method for Detecting Transverse Vibrations in an Ultrasonic Hand Piece); U.S. Pat. No. 6,977,495 (Detection Circuitry for Surgical Handpiece System); U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,853 (Method for Calculating Transducer Capacitance to Determine Transducer Temperature); U.S. Pat. No. 7,179,271 (Method for Driving an Ultrasonic System to Improve Acquisition of Blade Resonance Frequency at Startup); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,273,483 (Apparatus and Method for Alerting Generator Function in an Ultrasonic Surgical System.

FIG. 4 illustrates an equivalent circuit 150 of an ultrasonic transducer, such as the ultrasonic transducer component 120 shown in FIGS. 1-3, according to one aspect. The circuit 150 comprises a first “motional” branch having a serially connected inductance L_(s), resistance R_(s) and capacitance C_(s) that define the electromechanical properties of the resonator, and a second capacitive branch having a static capacitance C_(o). Drive current I_(g) may be received from a generator at a drive voltage V_(g), with motional current I_(m) flowing through the first branch and current I_(g)-I_(m) flowing through the capacitive branch. Control of the electromechanical properties of the ultrasonic transducer may be achieved by suitably controlling I_(g) and V_(g). As explained above, conventional generator architectures may include a tuning inductor L_(t) (shown in phantom in FIG. 4) for tuning out in a parallel resonance circuit the static capacitance Co at a resonant frequency so that substantially all of generator's current output I_(g) flows through the motional branch. In this way, control of the motional branch current I_(m) is achieved by controlling the generator current output I_(g). The tuning inductor L_(t) is specific to the static capacitance C_(o) of an ultrasonic transducer, however, and a different ultrasonic transducer having a different static capacitance requires a different tuning inductor L_(t). Moreover, because the tuning inductor L_(t) is matched to the nominal value of the static capacitance C_(o) at a particular resonant frequency, accurate control of the motional branch current I_(m) is assured only at that particular frequency, and as frequency shifts down with transducer temperature, accurate control of the motional branch current is compromised.

Aspects of the generator 102 shown in FIGS. 1-3 may be configured such that they do not rely on a tuning inductor L_(t) to monitor the motional branch current I_(m). Instead, the generator 102 may use the measured value of the static capacitance C_(o) in between applications of power for a specific ultrasonic surgical instrument 104 (along with drive signal voltage and current feedback data) to determine values of the motional branch current I_(m) on a dynamic and ongoing basis (e.g., in real-time). Such aspects of the generator 102 are therefore able to provide virtual tuning to simulate a system that is tuned or resonant with any value of static capacitance C_(o) at any frequency, and not just at the resonant frequency dictated by a nominal value of the static capacitance C_(o).

It is noted, for the purpose of describing the various aspects of the present disclosure, that an ultrasound transducer assembly is a transducer assembly which ultrasonically vibrates an ultrasonically-vibratable medical-treatment instrument (such as, without limitation, an ultrasonic scalpel or an ultrasonic clamp), when attached to the transducer assembly, in a mode of vibration at a fundamental frequency (i.e., a fundamental resonant frequency), that a node is a node of vibration (i.e., a location of zero magnitude of vibration), and that an antinode is a location of maximum magnitude of vibration. Examples of modes of vibration include, without limitation, a longitudinal mode of vibration, a torsional mode of vibration, a bending mode of vibration, and a swelling mode of vibration, wherein the transducer assembly is not limited to operating in a single mode of vibration as is known to those skilled in the art. Also, the terminology “gain stage” means a positive gain stage and is a longitudinally-extending portion of the transducer assembly which results in increased magnitude of vibration. Gain stages may be provided by a portion of the transducer assembly having at least one of a reduced diameter (as identified in some of the figures), a (constant or non-constant) taper, or being of a different material, as is known to those skilled in the art. It is pointed out that piezoelectric transducer disks are not limited to those with an outer perimeter having a circular shape and may include those with an outer perimeter having another shape such as, without limitation, an elliptical shape.

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a surgical instrument that includes a transducer assembly comprising a housing, an ultrasonic transducer comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements in a stack configuration, and an end mass where the end mass is configured to engage the housing and hold the ultrasonic transducer in a particular relationship within the housing. According to aspects, the end mass compresses the ultrasonic transducer within a horn shaped portion of the housing. A first surface of the end mass contacts a first surface of the ultrasonic transducer and when the end mass engages with the housing, a second surface of the ultrasonic transducer is compressed against an interior surface of the horn shaped portion of the housing. The compression of the ultrasonic transducer is caused due to the engagement between the end mass and the housing. Such compression is independent of a bolt or screw that might otherwise be passed through the piezoelectric elements and torqued into the housing. The transducer assembly may be acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic blade of an end effector at a distal end of the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument may be an ultrasonic surgical instrument or a combination ultrasonic and electrosurgical instrument similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3. The transducer assembly, and hence the ultrasonic transducer, is configured to receive a drive signal from a generator to cause ultrasonic motion of the ultrasonic blade. Further, the terms “proximal” and “distal” may used with reference the proximity or location of components of the transducer assembly based on where a clinician may grip a surgical instrument that comprises the transducer assembly.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate one aspect of a transducer assembly 200 comprising a housing 202 and an ultrasonic transducer 204, where the ultrasonic transducer 204 comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements 208 a, 208 b, 208 c, 208 d arranged in a stack configuration, which may be referred to as a “Langevin stack”, and having a longitudinal axis 211 along the centerline of the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d, and an end mass 206 positioned along the longitudinal axis 211 adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer 204. In one aspect, the stack of piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d comprises four solid disks as shown in FIGS. 5-7 made of a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) material contained in a compression housing. In other aspects, the ultrasonic transducer 204 piezoelectric stack may comprise an even multiple (n×2) of piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d. The piezoelectric stack may be assembled wet (glue bonded) directly onto the threaded end mass 206 and equipped with electrically conducive elements such as wires or cables, for example, to connect the piezoelectric stack to an active energy source and ground at the generator 102 (FIGS. 1-3). Accordingly, the end mass 206 and ultrasonic transducer 204 may be separate components that are then bonded together to allow for assembly of the transducer assembly 200.

The piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d are electrically connected in parallel and are paired in opposite directions. A first electrode 209 b is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 b, a second electrode 209 c is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 208 b-208 c, and a third electrode 209 d is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 208 c-208 d. A fourth electrode 209 a is disposed and at the proximal end of the piezoelectric element 208 a and a fifth electrode 209 e is disposed at the end of the piezoelectric element 208 d. In one configuration, the electrodes 209 a-209 e are formed of an electrically conductive material in thin disk configuration. The electrodes 209 a-209 e are configured to electrically couple to the generator 102 (shown in FIGS. 1-3) to energize the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d. In one configuration, the electrodes 209 a, 209 c, 209 e are configured to electrically couple to the negative polarity or return (−) of the generator 102 output port and the electrodes 209 b, 209 d are configured to couple to the positive polarity (+) of the generator 102 output port. In operation, the generator 102 applies an alternating voltage potential to the electrodes 209 a-209 e to energize the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d and cause them to mechanically expand and contract in the longitudinal direction in response to the alternating voltage potential. When the alternating voltage potential is in a frequency range of approximately 30-100 kHz the alternating voltage potential causes the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. One suitable frequency value of the alternating voltage potential may be 55.5 kHz, for example.

Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer 204 comprises compression elements 210 located at the ends of the piezoelectric elements 208 a and 208 d. In accordance with the present disclosure, the compression elements 210 provide the points of contact between the end mass 206 and the ultrasonic transducer 204 at the first end of the transducer 204 and between the housing 202 and the ultrasonic transducer 204 at a second end of the ultrasonic transducer 204. The compression element 210 may comprise a metal compression plate or spacer that has a size and form factor that corresponds to the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d. The compression element 210 may help to avoid damage to the stack of piezoelectric elements 208 a-d as the end mass 206 is threaded into and engaged with the housing 202. Compression may prevent the individual piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d from being subjected to tension, which may cause mechanical failure. The compression elements 210 may each be manufactured from a type of material that is appropriate for application in the ultrasonic transducer 204, including metals for example, such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and/or alloys thereof, or other materials, such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, plastics, etc.

As shown in the example illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the housing 202 comprises a horn shaped portion 220. The horn shaped portion 220 defines an open proximal end for receiving the ultrasonic transducer 204 and a wall that surrounds and houses the ultrasonic transducer 204 when it is inserted into an opening 213 defined by the horn shaped portion 220 of the housing 202. The horn shaped portion 220 may include internal threads on the inner wall surface allowing for the end mass 206 to be torqued into place. The horn shaped portion 220 also serves the function of amplifying the displacement of the ultrasonic transducer 204, and the horn shaped portion 220 compresses the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d of the ultrasonic transducer 204. According to various aspects, the diameter of the ultrasonic transducer 204 may be smaller that the inner diameter of the horn shaped portion 220 of the housing 202. Accordingly, a gap 205 is defined between the ultrasonic transducer 204 and the interior of the horn shaped portion 220 of the housing 202. This gap 205 allows for insertion of the ultrasonic transducer 204 and prevents the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d from coming into unwanted contact with a side wall of the interior surface of the horn shaped portion 220 of the housing 202.

The housing 202 also comprises a flange 216. The flange 216 is shown as an annular ring around the perimeter of the horn shaped portion 220. However, in some aspects, the flange 216 may instead be positioned in sections located about the perimeter instead of being arranged as a continuous ring. In other aspects, there may be additional flanges similar to and in addition to the flange 216 located at predetermined locations on the housing 202. Further, the flange 216 may be located at other locations along the housing 202, for example, the flange 216 may be located along the housing 202 closer to a distal end of the housing 202. According to various aspects, the flange 216 may include an O-ring or other elastomeric material member (not shown) that may provide sealing as well as damping of vibrations within the flange 216 and the housing 202 overall. An O-ring may be mounted within a groove or other feature (not shown) of the flange 216. Also, according to various aspects, the flange 216 may be replaced with a mass having radial dimensions similar to those of the stack 204 and the mass 206. A hand piece housing, or other frame member, of a surgical instrument may include corresponding shapes for receiving the flange 216.

The horn shaped portion 220 of the housing 202 allows for easy assembly of the transducer assembly 200 and provides advantages in heat dissipation and potential sealing of the ultrasonic transducer 204 and the stack of piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d. In another aspect, the horn shaped portion 220 may be threaded on an outside surface that matches the threads on the end mass 206. Thus, the end mass 206 may be fit over the horn shaped portion 220 while compressing the ultrasonic transducer 204 when within the horn shaped portion 220 of the housing 202. In addition, the housing 202 may comprise a channel 222 for attaching a waveguide section or other instrument section 214. The channel 222 may be threaded or may include a quick connect and/or a locking feature for attachment of other components thereto. In various aspects, the housing 202 and the end mass 206 each may be made as a unitary piece or in sections. Further, the housing 202 and the end mass 206 each may be made from a type of metal that is appropriate for the application of the transducer assembly, for example, such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and/or alloys thereof. In other aspects, the housing 202 may be made from other materials, such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, plastic, etc. as appropriate.

The end mass 206 may be coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 204 and the end mass 206 may be fixedly or removably attached with the housing 202. In one aspect, the ultrasonic transducer 204 is coupled to the end mass 206 via a suitable bonding mechanism. The ultrasonic transducer 204 and the end mass 206 may be bonded together via an adhesive, a weld, or other suitable bonding mechanism. In the aspect shown in FIGS. 5-7, the end mass 206 is configured to compress the plurality of piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d when the end mass 206 is engaged with the housing 202. The end mass 206 is configured to engage with the housing 202 via a threaded connection. When the end mass 206 is engaged with the housing 202, a second end of the ultrasonic transducer 204 is compressed against an interior surface of the housing 202. The end mass 206 also comprises one or more longitudinal channels 218 to allow for wiring to be connected to the ultrasonic transducer 204. In addition, the end mass 206 may comprise a torqueing feature 207 that allows torque to be applied to the end mass 206. In FIGS. 5-7, the torqueing feature 207 is a hex head. In other aspects, the torqueing feature 207 may be any type of drive that allows for torqueing the end mass 206; for example, the torqueing feature 207 may be any type of screw drive.

The piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, for example, lead zirconate-titanate (PZT), lead meta-niobate, lead titanate, barium titanate or other piezoelectric ceramic material. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, each of the piezoelectric elements 208 a-d have a circular or disk shaped configuration and are formed as a solid element with an uninterrupted surface. In other aspects, the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d may have different shapes and/or different surface characteristics, such as apertures for bolting a plurality of elements together. The elements 208 a-208 d may have an appropriate aspect factor for a particular application. Additionally, the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d may be energized via positive electrodes 209 b, 209 d and negative electrodes 209 a, 209 c, 209 e respectively positioned between the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d and at the ends of the piezoelectric elements 208 a and 208 e as shown in FIGS. 5-6. The positive and negative electrodes 209 a-209 e may be electrically coupled to wires that may be encased within a cable and electrically connectable to an ultrasonic signal generator 102 of an ultrasonic system as described above. The electrodes 209 a-209 e may be the same as or similar to electrodes 324, 326, and 328 described below in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10. In addition, according to various aspects, the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d may comprise a borehole through each of the elements 208 a-208 d that allows for assembly of other features of the ultrasonic transducer 204.

Each of positive electrodes 209 b, 209 d, negative electrodes 209 a, 209 c, 209 e, and the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d that make up the ultrasonic transducer 204 each may be a solid element with an uninterrupted surface. Alternatively, the transducer 204 defines a bore extending therethrough. For example, in one aspect, the bore extends through the center of the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d. The ultrasonic transducer 204 of the transducer assembly 200 is configured to convert an electrical signal from an ultrasonic generator, such as generator 102 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, into mechanical energy that results in primarily a standing acoustic wave of longitudinal vibratory motion of the ultrasonic transducer 204 and an end effector (not shown in FIGS. 1-8) at ultrasonic frequencies. In another aspect, the vibratory motion of the ultrasonic transducer 204 may act in a different direction. For example, the vibratory motion may comprise a local longitudinal component of a more complicated motion of the tip of the ultrasonic instrument. When the transducer assembly 200 is energized, a vibratory motion standing wave may be generated through the transducer assembly 200. The transducer assembly 200 may be designed to operate at a resonance such that an acoustic standing wave pattern of a predetermined amplitude is produced. The amplitude of the vibratory motion at any point along the transducer assembly 200 may depend upon the location along the transducer assembly 200 at which the vibratory motion is measured. A minimum or zero crossing in the vibratory motion standing wave is generally referred to as a node (e.g., where motion is usually minimal), and a local absolute value maximum or peak in the standing wave is generally referred to as an anti-node (e.g., where motion is usually maximal). According to aspects, the distance between an anti-node and its nearest node may be one-quarter wavelength (λ/4).

Furthermore, the plurality of piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d and electrodes 209 a-209 e may be bonded via an adhesive, such as with an epoxy or other glue, a weld, or other suitable bonding mechanism. In one aspect, surfaces of a piezoelectric element may have an adhesive, such as epoxy, placed on it and subsequently an electrode 209 a-209 e may be placed over the adhesive. The adhesive may be provided in a layer such that it does not interfere with the electrical connections between the electrodes 209 a-209 e and the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d themselves. Further, according to aspects, only some of the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d may be bonded together, instead of the entire plurality of piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d. In addition, the plurality of piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d may be assembled dry, with no adhesive or bonding mechanism between each of the layers.

Additionally, FIG. 8 is a finite element analysis mesh contour plot of the stresses at nodes 224 of the transducer assembly 200 that is configured as a half wave resonator at 40 kHz, for example. According to aspects, the design of the transducer assembly 200 can be scaled up or down in frequency and wavelength based on the appropriate application. For example, the transducer assembly 200 may be made to function as a quarter or full wavelength transducer.

FIG. 9 shows a combination of an end mass 306 and ultrasonic transducer 304 that may be sized and configured to be located within a housing of an ultrasonic surgical instrument, such as housing 302 also described below. Any aspects of the end mass 306, ultrasonic transducer 304, and housing 302, may have the same or similar attributes as end mass 206, ultrasonic transducer 204, and housing 202, respectively, as appropriate. Electrodes 324, 326, and 328, described in more detail in FIGS. 10-12, are shown in adjacent relationship to the piezoelectric elements 308 a-308 d that make up the ultrasonic transducer 304. As shown in FIG. 9, the end mass 306 has a channel 332 defined therethrough. The channel 332 may be used for the wiring or cabling that is connected to one or more of the electrodes 324, 326, and 328 to allow for energization of the electrodes 324, 326, and 328 and application of electricity to the piezoelectric elements 308 a-308 d. The channel 332 may further have sealing product, such as solder, epoxy, glue, rubber, or other insulation material, located therein to prevent the entry of foreign substances into the end mass 306 and ultrasonic transducer 304. Furthermore, the channel 332 may be sized and configured to match a size and shape of the wiring or cabling for the electrodes 324, 326, and 328 such that a sealing product is not necessary. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the end mass 306 may include threads on an exterior surface of the end mass for engagement with a housing 302 of an ultrasonic transducer assembly and/or other component of a surgical instrument as described herein.

Electrodes 324, 326, and 328 energize the piezoelectric elements 308 a-308 d according to a drive signal received from a generator 102 based on a predetermined wavelength and frequency of an ultrasonic wave in order for a surgical instrument to apply ultrasonic energy to a target. Electrodes 324, 326, and 328 may have a shape that conforms to the shape of a piezoelectric element 308 a-308 d to allow for maximum surface area contact between a respective electrode 324, 326, and 328 and piezoelectric elements 308 a-308 d. Electrodes 324, 326, and 328 are located at the proximal end of the ultrasonic transducer 304, closest to the end mass 306, and the distal end of the ultrasonic transducer 304, respectively. Electrodes 324, 326, and 328 may be made from a conductive material, such as metal, for example, copper, that functions to provide an electrical current to the piezoelectric elements 308 a-308 d.

As shown in FIG. 10, electrode 324 has a disk shape center 304 with an aperture 305 through the center. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, electrode 328 comprises a disk shape center 404 with an aperture 405 and a plurality of arms 402 that extend outward from the center 404. The arms 402 may be sized and configured to contact the inside walls of a conductive housing of a transducer assembly, such as housing 202 described above, to provide an electrical ground for the ultrasonic transducer 304. Accordingly, the arms 402 may be configured to provide a path to ground or return to the generator 102. In addition, the arms 402 provide an alignment feature for the transducer 304 as the transducer 304 is placed into the housing 202. Further, electrodes 324 may provide an electrical ground based on contact with the electrode 324 and the housing 202 and the end mass 306, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, electrode 326 comprises two contacts or pads 502 a-502 b, each with a center 503 a-503 b with an aperture 505 a-505 b, where the contacts 502 a-502 b are electrically connected together. The contacts 502 a-502 b are connected via an electrically conductive connection element 502 c. A wire or cable 506 is connected to one of the contacts 502 a-502 b for energization of the contacts 502 a-502 b. The cable 506 may be coupled to the positive polarity (+) of the generator 102 output port. An apron 504 is included for insulating the electrode 326 for electrically isolating electrode 326 and preventing potential energization of other electrodes along with a housing of a surgical instrument.

Referring back to FIG. 9, when electrode 326 is energized, electrical current may flow through the two piezoelectric elements 308 a-308 d in the middle of the ultrasonic transducer stack 304 and follow a path to ground, resulting in the energization of the piezoelectric element 308 a-308 d at the proximal end of the ultrasonic transducer 304, closest to the end mass 306, and the piezoelectric element 308 a-308 d at the distal end of the ultrasonic transducer 304, respectively. The electrical current passing through the piezoelectric elements 308 a-308 d causes the piezoelectric elements 308 a-308 d to expand and contract, which generates an ultrasonic wave.

FIG. 13 displays a cross sectional view of transducer assembly 300′ that comprises a housing 302′, ultrasonic transducer 304′, and end mass 306′. Similar to transducer assembly 200, the end mass 306′ compresses the ultrasonic transducer 304′ within the horn shaped portion 320′ of the housing 302′. Accordingly, the end mass 306′ may engage the horn shaped portion 320′ of the housing 302′ based on a threaded connection. Further, the housing 302′ comprises flange 316′. The flange 316′ provides a location for attachment of a surgical instrument component 342′ such as, for example, a surgical instrument housing that surrounds the transducer assembly 300′, where a surgical instrument comprises the transducer assembly 300′. In addition, the instrument component 342′ may comprise an isolator that is intended to dampen or isolate the vibrations from the transducer assembly 300′. In one aspect, the isolator comprises an elastomer.

Aspects of the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-308 d′ are the same or similar to the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d of transducer assembly 200 described with regard to FIGS. 5-8 above, as appropriate. Accordingly, the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-308 d′ may be electrically connected in parallel and are paired in opposite directions. A first electrode 309 b′ is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 308 a′-308 b′, a second electrode 309 c′ is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 308 b′-308 c′, and a third electrode 309 d′ is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 308 c′-308 d′. A fourth electrode 309 a′ is disposed at the proximal end of the piezoelectric element 308 a′ and a fifth electrode 309 e′ is disposed at the end of the piezoelectric element 308 d. In one configuration, the electrodes 309 a-309 e′ are formed of an electrically conductive material in thin disk configuration. The electrodes 309 a′-309 e′ are configured to electrically couple to the generator 102 (shown in FIGS. 1-3) to energize the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-308 d′. In one configuration, the electrodes 309 a′, 309 c′, 309 e′ are configured to electrically couple to the negative polarity or return (−) of the generator 102 output port and the electrodes 309 b′, 309 d′ are configured to couple to the positive polarity (+) of the generator 102 output port. In operation, the generator 102 applies an alternating voltage potential to the electrodes 309 a′-309 e′ to energize the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-308 d′ and cause them to mechanically expand and contract in the longitudinal direction in response to the alternating voltage potential. When the alternating voltage potential is in a frequency range of approximately 30-100 kHz, the alternating voltage potential causes the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-308 d′ to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. In one example, operational frequency of the alternating voltage potential is approximately 55.5 kHz. In one aspect, each of the electrodes 308 a′-308 d′ is a flat electrode.

In addition, according to the aspect shown in FIG. 13, the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-d′ and electrodes 309 a′-e′ comprise a borehole 328′ therethrough that allows for insertion of an alignment feature 336′ through the borehole 328′. The alignment feature 336′ is configured so that the ultrasonic transducer 304′, and accordingly the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-d′ and electrodes 309 a′-e′, may be held in place within the horn shaped portion 320′ of the housing 302′. A gap 305′ is maintained to prevent the ultrasonic transducer 304′ from shorting out against the housing 302′.

Additionally, the alignment feature 336′ comprises a post 336′ that provides structural support and allows for an energization of the appropriate electrodes 309 a′-309 e′. In one aspect, the post 336′ comprises a lumen that is used for centering the transducer stack 304′ during the torqueing of the end mass 306′ to the horn shaped portion 320′ of the housing 302′. The lumen may have channels to allow wires connected to the electrodes 309 a′-309 e′ to be inserted in the center of the lumen. The lumen may be removed after torqueing of the end mass 306′ to the horn shaped portion 320′ is complete. This may improve alignment of the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-308 b′ and allow for very low impedance (e.g. 12 ohms) electrodes/wiring to be used.

As shown in FIG. 13, a source or “hot” lead 332′ and a return or “cold” lead 334′ are connected to the post 336′. The source lead 332′ is coupled to a generator, such as generator 102 described above, and to electrodes 309 b′, 309 d′. The return lead 332′ is coupled to a ground connection of or otherwise provides a return path to the generator, and is also coupled to electrodes 309 c′ and 309 e′. In aspects of the present disclosure, the source lead 332′ and/or the return lead 334′ may comprise a wire that is located within the post 336′. Additionally, the post 336′ may be made of a conductive material and may provide a return path for the electrodes 309 a′, 309 c′, and 309 e′. As shown in FIG. 13, the post 336′ of the alignment feature 330′ may extend into an indent or aperture in the housing 302′, which may allow the post 336′ to be held in a secure engagement with the housing 302′. In one aspect, the alignment feature 330′ may be formed integrally with the end mass 306′ and the end mass 306′ may be a solid object without an aperture therethrough. In another aspect, the alignment feature 330′ may be a separate component that fits through an aperture, such as borehole 328′, through the end mass 306′. In this aspect, a wire may extend through the borehole 328′ of the end mass 306′. The borehole 328′ and any openings between the end mass 306′ and the housing 302′ may be covered with a sealing product, such as solder, epoxy, glue, rubber, tape, or other insulation material, located therein to prevent the entry of foreign substances into the interior of the transducer assembly 300′. In addition, the alignment feature 330′ may comprise threads such that the ultrasonic transducer 304′ or the individual piezoelectric elements 308 a′-d′ and electrodes 309 a′-e′ can be threadedly engaged with the alignment feature 330′. In another aspect, the alignment feature 330′ may rely on a compression fit between one of the ultrasonic transducer 304′ or the individual piezoelectric elements 308 a′-d′ and the electrodes 309 a′-e′.

Also as shown in FIG. 13, a return electrode 340′ is connected to the flange 316′ and the electrode 340′ is connected to a ground lead 338′ (i.e. a ground wire) that provides a path to ground or return to the generator 102. The return electrode 340′ may have an outer diameter that is shaped to match the geometry of flange 316′ and may have an inner diameter that provides sufficient clearance to allow the return electrode 340′ to slip over an outer diameter of the horn shaped portion 320′ of the housing 302′. In one aspect, inside the horn shaped portion 320′, where the ultrasonic transducer stack 304′ resides, a return path may be established through the horn shaped portion 320′ to one or more of the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-d′ and through the end mass 306′ to one or more of the piezoelectric elements 308 a′-d′.

FIGS. 14 and 15 display an aspect of an ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 that includes an end mass 306, ultrasonic transducer stack 304, and housing 302. The housing 302 comprises a flange 316. Similar to flange 216, flange 316 may be annular around an exterior surface of the housing 302 or it may include components at separate locations along the exterior surface of the housing 302. Aspects of the ultrasonic transducer stack 304 may be the same or similar to the ultrasonic transducer 204 described above, as appropriate. The ultrasonic transducer stack 304 comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements in a stack configuration with a plurality of electrodes located in between to energize the piezoelectric elements. Furthermore, any aspects of the housing 302 may be the same or similar to the housing 202 described above, as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 14, the end mass 306 has a channel 332 therethrough. The channel 332 may be used for the wiring or cabling that is connected to one or more of the electrodes of the transducer stack 304 to allow for energization of the electrodes 305 a-305 e and application of electricity to the piezoelectric elements 304 a-304 d. Aspects of the electrodes 305 a-305 e and piezoelectric elements 304 a-304 d are the same or similar to the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d and electrodes 209 a-209 e of transducer assembly 200 described with regard to FIGS. 5-8 above, as appropriate. The channel 332 may further have sealing product 334, such as solder, epoxy, glue, rubber, tape, or other insulation material, located within the channel or only at a proximal end, furthest from the transducer stack 304, to prevent the entry of foreign substances into the end mass 306 and ultrasonic transducer 304. Furthermore, while the end mass 306 may be threaded into the housing 302, sealing product 334 is also located at a proximal end of the end mass 306 adjacent the location that the end mass 306 engages the housing 302, such that the interior of the housing 302, along with the transducer 304 and portion of the end mass 306 located within the housing 302, is sealed and the end mass 306 is bonded to the housing 302. In one aspect, the seal to the interior of the housing may be a hermetic seal. Further, in one aspect, any sections where the end mass 306 engages the housing 302, along with the channel 332, may be welded so that a seal is formed.

FIG. 16 displays a transducer assembly 600 similar to those discussed above. The transducer assembly 600 comprises a housing 602, an ultrasonic transducer stack 604, and an end mass 606. Any aspects of the housing 602, transducer stack 604, and end mass 606 may have the same or similar attributes as any housing, ultrasonic transducer stack, and end mass described above, respectively, as appropriate. The transducer 604 and end mass 606 may be positioned along a longitudinal axis 611. The distal end of the end mass 606 comprises a cap portion 627 that is configured to fit over a proximal rim 625 at the proximal end of the horn shaped portion 620 of the housing 602. The cap portion 627 of the end mass 606 and the horn shaped portion 620 of the housing 602 act to house the transducer 604 and the cap portion 627 is designed to overlap with the proximal rim 625 of the housing 602. In one aspect, there is a gap between the end mass 606 and the housing 602 that provides a gap that may be filled with aluminum wire for a laser welding process. The thickness of the proximal rim 625 may be such that it is thinner than an adjacent portion of the housing 602. Furthermore, the thickness of the proximal rim 625 may be such that when the distal end of the end mass 606 is placed over the proximal rim 625, the circumference of the housing 602 and end mass 606 is uniform along the transducer assembly 600. In one aspect, the transducer assembly 600 comprises a distal rim 629, similar to the proximal rim 625. Additionally, the cap portion 627 of the end mass 606 may be a length such that transducer 604 is held at a predetermined amount of compression when the end mass 606 is engaged with the housing 602. The transducer 604 may be held in compression by a fixed engagement or a bond at the distal end of the end mass 606 and the proximal end of the housing 602. The bond may be accomplished by an appropriate bonding means, such as an adhesive, a strap, a weld, such as a laser weld, around the circumference of the transducer assembly 600 and a hermetic seal may be formed. By bonding the end mass 606 and the housing 602, the ultrasonic transducer 604 may be held in compression and remain under that compression even after the transducer assembly 600 is activated a large number of times.

FIGS. 17 and 18 display photographs of a transducer assembly 700 similar to transducer assembly 600. The transducer assembly 700 comprises a housing 702 and an end mass 706 that are made of aluminum and have been welded together via weld 734. A cable 735 is configured to pass through an opening of the end mass 706 to provide electricity to an ultrasonic transducer (not shown) or to provide a reading of the voltage given off by the piezoelectric elements of the transducer. The transducer assembly 700 may comprise an ultrasonic transducer, of which any aspects are the same or similar to ultrasonic transducers 204 and 304 described above, as appropriate.

FIG. 19 displays a transducer assembly 800 that comprises a housing 802 and an end mass 806. An annular groove or channel 842 is located adjacent a proximal end of the transducer assembly 800 on an exterior surface of the transducer assembly 800. An electrical contact 840 is configured to make contact with the groove 842 and provide an electrical coupling between circuitry connected to the electrical contact 840 and the exterior surface of the transducer assembly 800. In one aspect, the electrical contact 840 comprises a pin, for example, such as a pogo pin. According to aspects, the transducer assembly 800 may be placed within a surgical instrument housing. The transducer assembly 800 may be rotatable within the surgical instrument housing based on the relative movement that is allowed between the electrical contact 840 and the transducer assembly 800 based on the electrical connection between the exterior surface of the transducer assembly 800 and the electrical contact 840. Any aspects of the housing 802 and end mass 806 may have the same or similar attributes as a housing and an end mass described above, respectively, as appropriate. Further, any aspects of the ultrasonic transducer that is located within the interior of transducer assembly 800, may be the same or similar to any ultrasonic transducers described above, as appropriate. Accordingly, the electrical contact 840 may provide a ground connection to a transducer stack where an electrode, for example electrode 328, contacts the housing 802 of the transducer assembly 800. In one aspect, the groove or channel 842 may be located at a point where the end mass 806 and the housing 802 are brought together. Therefore, the groove 842 may be formed based on a weld between the end mass 806 and the housing 802, where an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, is used for the weld. Further, the groove 842 may be formed in an exterior surface of either the end mass 806 or the housing 802.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the transducer assembly 900 that comprises a housing 902, an ultrasonic transducer stack 904, and an end mass 906. Any aspects of the housing 902, transducer stack 604, and end mass 906 may have the same or similar attributes as any housing, ultrasonic transducer stack, and end mass described above, respectively, as appropriate. The housing 902 also comprises a flange 916. Similar to flange 216 described above, flange 916 may be annular around an exterior surface of the housing 902 or it may include components at separate locations along the exterior surface of the housing 902. Similar to ultrasonic transducer 204 described above, the stack of piezoelectric elements 908 a-90 d consists of four solid disks as shown in FIG. 20 and compression elements 910 are located at either end of the stack of piezoelectric elements 908 a-90 d. The compression element 910 may comprise a metal compression plate or spacer that has a size and form factor that corresponds to the piezoelectric elements 908 a-90 d. The compression element 910 may help to avoid damage to the stack of piezoelectric elements 908 a-90 d as the end mass 906 is threaded into and engaged with the housing 902. The piezoelectric elements 908 a-908 d are electrically connected in parallel and are paired in opposite directions. A first electrode 909 b is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 908 a-908 b, a second electrode 909 c is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 908 b-908 c, and a third electrode 909 d is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 908 c-908 d. A fourth electrode 909 a is disposed and at the proximal end of the piezoelectric element 908 a and a fifth electrode 909 e is disposed at the end of the piezoelectric element 908 d.

Further, the end mass 906 comprises torqueing feature 907 (e.g. hex head 907) and an aperture 932 defined through the end mass 906. Additionally, the piston device 1000 shown in FIG. 21 and socket device 1100 shown in FIG. 22 may allow for pre-compression of the ultrasonic transducer 904 and torqued engagement of the end mass 906 with the housing 902. The piston device 1000 feeds through the hollow socket head 1102 of the socket device 1100. The hollow socket head 1102 contacts the hex head 907 on the end mass 906 and torques the end mass 906. Aperture 932 allows for the insertion of the piston head 1002 of piston device 1000. Piston device 1000 also comprises a load cell 1004 and actuator 1006. The actuator 1006 may be a linear actuator or a hydraulic actuator. The piston head 1002 is configured to apply a force against the ultrasonic transducer 904 within the housing 902. The piston head 1002 pushes against spacer 910, which is a non-piezoelectric component, to prevent localized stress on the piezoelectric elements 908 a-90 d. When the piston head 1002 applies sufficient pressure against the transducer stack 904, force is lower at the point of contact between the end mass 906 and the transducer stack 904. With a lower force between the end mass 906 and the transducer 904, there is less friction and therefore less torque applied to the transducer 904. As the end mass 906 is torqued into place within the housing 902, the force on the piston head 1002 can be monitored. As the force on the piston head 1002 is reduced (e.g. caused by load sharing via the end mass 906), an operator may be signaled that the transducer 904 is at the correct pressure and the assembly step is finished.

FIG. 23 illustrates one aspect of an ultrasonic system 2300. The ultrasonic system 2300 may comprise an ultrasonic signal generator 2312 coupled to an ultrasonic transducer assembly 2301 of a surgical instrument, referred to as a hand piece assembly 2360. The hand piece assembly 2360 comprises a hand piece housing 2336, and an ultrasonically actuatable single element end effector or ultrasonically actuatable blade 2352. A housing 2302 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 2301 generally includes a transduction portion 2318, a first resonator portion or end-bell 2320, and a second resonator portion or fore-bell 2322, and ancillary components, such as flange 2316. The total construction of these portions comprises a resonator. The ultrasonic transducer assembly 2301 is preferably an integral number of one-half system wavelengths (n*λ/2: wherein “n” is any positive integer; e.g., n=1, 2, 3 . . . ) in length. Further, the ultrasonic transducer assembly 2301 comprises the ultrasonic transducer 2304, end mass 2306, and housing 2302, where the housing 2302 comprises a nose cone 2326, a velocity transformer 2328, and a surface 2330. Aspects of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 2301 may be the same or similar as those described above with regard to transducer assemblies 200, 300, 600, 700, 800, and 900, including the components thereto, as appropriate.

Further, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used with reference to a clinician gripping the hand piece assembly 2360. Thus, the end effector 2350 is distal with respect to the more proximal hand piece assembly 2360. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “top” and “bottom” also are used herein with respect to the clinician gripping the hand piece assembly 2360. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.

The distal end of the end-bell 2320 is connected to the proximal end of the transduction portion 2318, and the proximal end of the fore-bell 2322 is connected to the distal end of the transduction portion 2318. The fore-bell 2322 and the end-bell 2320 have a length determined by a number of variables, including the thickness of the transduction portion 2318, the density and modulus of elasticity of the material used to manufacture the end-bell 2320 and the fore-bell 2322, and the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 2301. The fore-bell 2322 may be tapered inwardly from its proximal end to its distal end to amplify the ultrasonic vibration amplitude as the velocity transformer 2328, or alternately may have no amplification. A suitable vibrational frequency range may be about 20 Hz to 120 kHz. A well-suited vibrational frequency range may be about 30-100 kHz. One example operational vibrational frequency may be approximately 55.5 kHz.

The ultrasonic transducer comprises an ultrasonic transducer stack 2304, aspects of which are the same or similar to any other ultrasonic transducer stack described herein. Positive and negative electrodes of the transducer stack 2304 are electrically coupled to wires 2338 and 2340, respectively. The wires 2338 and 2340 are encased within a cable 2342 and electrically connectable to the ultrasonic signal generator 2312 of the ultrasonic system 2300. The ultrasonic transducer 2304 of the transducer assembly 2301 converts the electrical signal from the ultrasonic signal generator 2312 into mechanical energy that results in primarily a standing acoustic wave of longitudinal vibratory motion of the ultrasonic transducer 2304 and the end effector 2350 at ultrasonic frequencies. In another aspect, the vibratory motion of the ultrasonic transducer may act in a different direction. For example, the vibratory motion may comprise a local longitudinal component of a more complicated motion of the tip of the ultrasonic system 2300. When the transducer assembly 2301 is energized, a vibratory motion standing wave is generated through the transducer assembly 2301. The ultrasonic system 2300 may be designed to operate at a resonance such that an acoustic standing wave pattern of a predetermined amplitude is produced. The amplitude of the vibratory motion at any point along the transducer assembly 2301 may depend upon the location along the transducer assembly 2301 at which the vibratory motion is measured. A minimum or zero crossing in the vibratory motion standing wave is generally referred to as a node (e.g., where motion is usually minimal), and a local absolute value maximum or peak in the standing wave is generally referred to as an anti-node (e.g., where motion is usually maximal). According to aspects, the distance between an anti-node and its nearest node may be one-quarter wavelength (λ/4).

The wires 2338 and 2340 transmit an electrical signal from the ultrasonic signal generator 2312 to the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer stack 2304. The piezoelectric elements 2308 are energized by the electrical signal supplied from the ultrasonic signal generator 2312 in response to a switch 2344 to produce an acoustic standing wave in the transducer assembly 2301. The switch 2344 may be configured to be actuated by a clinician's foot. The electrical signal causes the piezoelectric elements 2308 to expand and contract in a continuous manner along the axis of the voltage gradient, producing longitudinal waves of ultrasonic energy. The straining of the elements causes large alternating compressional and tensile forces within the material. These forces in the piezoelectric elements 2308 manifest as repeated small displacements resulting in large alternating compression and tension forces within the material. The repeated small displacements cause the piezoelectric elements 2308 to expand and contract in a continuous manner along the axis of the voltage gradient, producing longitudinal waves of ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic energy is transmitted through the transducer assembly 2301 to the end effector 2350 via a transmission component or ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366. According to various aspects, the waveguide 2366, end effector 2350 and blade 2352 may all be referred to generally as the end effector 2350.

In order for the transducer assembly 2301 to deliver energy to the end effector 2350, all components of the transducer assembly 2301 must be acoustically coupled to the end effector 2350. The distal end of the ultrasonic transducer 2304 may be acoustically coupled at the surface 2330 to the proximal end of the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 by a threaded connection such as a stud 2348. The components of the transducer assembly 2301 are preferably acoustically tuned such that the length of any assembly is an integral number of one-half wavelengths (n*λ/2), where the wavelength λ is the wavelength of a pre-selected or operating longitudinal vibration drive frequency f_(d) of the transducer assembly 2301, and where n is any positive integer. It is also contemplated that the transducer assembly 2301 may incorporate any suitable arrangement of acoustic elements.

The ultrasonic end effector 2350 may have a length substantially equal to an integral multiple of one-half system wavelengths (λ/2). A distal end or blade 2352 of the ultrasonic end effector 2350 may be disposed near an antinode in order to provide the maximum longitudinal excursion of the distal end. When the transducer assembly is energized, the distal end 2352 of the ultrasonic end effector 2350 may be configured to move in the range of, for example, approximately 10 to 500 microns peak-to-peak, and preferably in the range of about 30 to 150 microns at a predetermined vibrational frequency.

The ultrasonic end effector 2350 may be coupled to the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366. The ultrasonic end effector 2350 and the ultrasonic transmission guide 2364 as illustrated are formed as a single unit construction from a material suitable for transmission of ultrasonic energy such as, for example, Ti6Al4V (an alloy of Titanium including Aluminum and Vanadium), Aluminum, Stainless Steel, or other suitable materials. Alternately, the ultrasonic end effector 2350 may be separable (and of differing composition) from the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366, and coupled by, for example, a stud, weld, glue, quick connect, or other suitable known methods. The ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 may have a length substantially equal to an integral number of one-half system wavelengths (λ/2), for example. The ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 may be preferably fabricated from a solid core shaft constructed out of material suitable to propagate ultrasonic energy efficiently, such as the titanium alloy discussed above, (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V) or any suitable aluminum alloy, or other alloys, for example.

The ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 comprises a longitudinally projecting attachment post 2354 at a proximal end to couple to the surface 2330 of the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 by a threaded connection such as the stud 2348. In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 23, the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 comprises a plurality of stabilizing silicone rings or compliant supports 2356 positioned at a plurality of nodes. The silicone rings 2356 dampen undesirable vibration and isolate the ultrasonic energy from an outer sheath 2358 for assuring the flow of ultrasonic energy in a longitudinal direction to the distal end 2352 of the end effector 2350 with maximum efficiency.

Also shown in FIG. 23, the outer sheath 2358 protects a user of the ultrasonic instrument 2360 and a patient from the ultrasonic vibrations of the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366. The sheath 2358 generally includes a hub 2362 and an elongated tubular member 2364. The tubular member 2364 is attached to the hub 2362 and has an opening extending longitudinally therethrough. The sheath 2358 may be threaded or snapped onto the distal end of the hand piece housing 2336. The ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 extends through the opening of the tubular member 2364 and the silicone rings 2356 isolate the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 from the outer sheath 2358. The outer sheath 2358 may be attached to the waveguide 2366 with an isolator pin (not shown). The hole in the waveguide 2366 may occur nominally at a displacement. The waveguide 2366 may screw or snap onto the hand piece assembly 2360 by the stud 2348. The flat portions of the hub 2362 may allow the assembly to be torqued to a required level.

The hub 2362 of the sheath 2358 is preferably constructed from ULTEM®, and the tubular member 2364 is fabricated from stainless steel. Alternatively, the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 may have polymeric material surrounding it to isolate it from outside contact. The distal end of the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 may be coupled to the proximal end of the end effector 2350 by an internal threaded connection, preferably at or near an antinode. It is contemplated that the end effector 2350 may be attached to the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 by any suitable means, such as a welded joint or the like. Although the end effector 2350 may be detachable from the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366, it is also contemplated that the end effector 2350 and the ultrasonic transmission waveguide 2366 may be formed as a single unitary piece.

FIG. 24 illustrates one aspect of a hand piece assembly 2460, aspects of which are the same or similar to hand piece assembly 2360, as appropriate. FIG. 24 shows a close in view of a portion of transducer assembly 2401, which includes housing 2402 and flange 2416, and a hand piece housing 2436 and nose cone 2426 of the hand piece assembly 2460. An electrode 2409 is located between the flange 2416 of the housing 2402 and an isolator 2470. The isolator 2470 is used to dampen or isolate the vibrations from the transducer assembly 2401 to the hand piece assembly 2460. In one aspect, the isolator 2470 comprises an elastomer.

The electrode 2409 is adjacent the flange 2416 and the electrode 2409 is connected to a ground lead 2438 that provide a path to ground or return to a generator that supplies power to the hand piece assembly 2460. The electrode 2409 may have an outer diameter that is shaped to match the geometry of flange 2416 and may have an inner diameter that provides sufficient clearance to allow the electrode 2409 to be placed over an outer surface the housing 2402. The electrical connection for the return path to the generator is intended to be through the outer surface of the transducer. In one aspect, the electrode 2409 is a flat electrode that is placed in contact with the flange 2416 and held in place by the isolator 2470.

FIGS. 25-26 illustrate one aspect of a transducer assembly 2500 and FIG. 27 is an illustration of the housing 2502 of transducer assembly 2500 shown in FIGS. 25-26. The transducer assembly comprises a housing 2502, an ultrasonic transducer 2504, and an end mass 2506. The housing 2502 comprises a conduit section 2510 and a base portion 2520, wherein a lumen or fluid passageway 2515 is defined through the conduit section 2510 and the base portion 2520. The base portion 2520 is shown in FIGS. 25-27 as having a horn shape, and may be referred to as a horn-shaped portion 2520. The transducer assembly 2500 may also include a conductive element 2514, insulator 2512, and the conduit section 2510 of the housing 2502. An inner isolator region may be present based on insulator 2512 that provides a nonconductive path between the conduit section 2510 of the housing 2502 and the conductive element 2514. The housing 2502 may be at ground or low potential and provide a return path to the generator 102. The conductive element 2514 may be connected to a high potential from the generator 102.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 28-29, conductive element 2514 may be positioned so that it surrounds the conduit section 2510 of the housing 2502 and is electrically isolated from the conduit section 2510. According to aspects, the conductive element 2514 may completely or at least partially surround the conduit section 2510. Further, insulator 2512 may be positioned and held in place between the conductive element 2514 and the conduit section 2510. As shown in FIG. 29, a feature such as an external annular ring 2528, such as for example, an o-ring made of rubber or plastic or a raised edge of material, may be present to hold the conductive element 2514 in a desired location and to provide a seal between the insulator 2512 and the conductive element 2514. The conductive element 2514 may be formed as a tube that is sized and configured to fit around the insulator 2512 and conduit section 2510 of the housing 2502. The conductive element 2514 may be made of a conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, steel, or other material as appropriate. The conductive element 2514 provides both isolation and a conductive path for high potential to the appropriate electrodes 2509 a-2509 e. In one aspect, each of the electrodes 2509 a-2509 e is a flat electrode. Accordingly, in the aspect shown in FIG. 26, the conductive element 2514 allows for energization of piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d via the electrodes 2509 b and 2509 d as described in more detail below. The insulator 2512 may also be formed as a tube that is sized and configured to fit around the conduit section 2510 of the housing 2502. The insulator 2512 may be made of an insulating material, such as fiberglass, plastic, rubber, or other material as appropriate.

The ultrasonic transducer 2504 comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements 2508 a, 2508 b, 2508 c, 2508 d arranged in a stack configuration, which may be referred to as a “Langevin stack”. A longitudinal axis 2511 forms a centerline of the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d. A borehole 2527 is defined through the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and the end mass 2506 is positioned along the longitudinal axis 2511 adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer 2504. The end mass 2506 also comprises a borehole 2527. The conduit section 2510 of the housing 2502, along with the insulator 2512 and conductive element 2514, is configured to pass through the boreholes 2527 in the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and end mass 2506. This provides an alignment feature for the ultrasonic transducer 2504 as the end mass 2506 is placed over the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and engaged with the housing 2502. The ultrasonic transducer 2504 may then be held in position in the interior compartment formed by the end mass 2506 and housing 2502 and spaced properly from the others components of the assembly 2500 so that arcing and/or shorting out of the electrode and conductive element does not occur. Furthermore, the end mass 2506 is configured to compress an end of the ultrasonic transducer 2504 against the interior surface 2528 of the housing 2502 when the end mass 2506 is engaged with the housing 2502.

In one aspect, the stack of piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d comprises four disks made of a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) material contained in a compression housing. In other aspects, the ultrasonic transducer 2504 piezoelectric stack may comprise an even multiple (n×2) of piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric stack may be assembled wet (glue bonded) directly onto the threaded end mass 2506 and equipped with electrically conducive elements such as wires or cables, for example, to connect the piezoelectric stack to an active energy source and ground at the generator 102 (FIGS. 1-3). Accordingly, the end mass 2506 and ultrasonic transducer 2504 may be separate components that are then bonded together to allow for assembly of the transducer assembly 2500. The piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d are electrically connected in parallel and are paired in opposite directions. A first electrode 2509 b is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 b, a second electrode 2509 c is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 2508 b-2508 c, and a third electrode 2509 d is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric elements 2508 c-2508 d. A fourth electrode 2509 a is disposed and at the proximal end of the piezoelectric element 2508 a and a fifth electrode 2509 e is disposed at the end of the piezoelectric element 2508 d. In one configuration, the electrodes 2509 a-2509 e are formed of an electrically conductive material in thin disk configuration. The electrodes 2509 a-2509 e are configured to electrically couple to the generator 102 (shown in FIGS. 1-3) to energize the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d.

In one configuration, the electrodes 2509 a, 2509 c, 2509 e are configured to electrically couple to the negative polarity or return (−) of the generator 102 output port and the electrodes 2509 b, 2509 d are configured to electrically couple to the positive polarity (+) of the generator 102 output port. Electrodes 2509 a, 2509 c, 2509 e form a return path to the generator based on contact with the end mass 2506 and the housing 2502. As shown in FIG. 26, electrodes 2509 a and 2509 e are in contact with an interior surface of the end mass 2506 and an interior surface of the housing 2502, respectively, when the ultrasonic transducer 2504 is held in compression by the engagement of the end mass 2506 and housing 2502. Further, electrode 2509 c is in contact with the wall 2517 of the end mass 2506 based on the tabs 2526 on electrode 2509 c. Electrodes 2509 b and 2509 d form a path to the positive polarity of the generator 102 output port based on contact between the tabs 2524 of each electrode 2509 b, 2509 d and the conductive element 2514. The tabs 2524 and 2526 of the electrodes 2509 b, 2509 d, 2509 c may be sized and configured so that they hold the ultrasonic transducer 2504 at a specific distance from the surfaces with the end mass 2506 and housing 2502 and provide for a secure fit. According to aspects, the tabs 2524 and 2526 may be held in contact with the conductive element or other surface as appropriate based on the tension of material of the tabs.

In operation, the generator 102 applies an alternating voltage potential to the electrodes 2509 a-2509 e to energize the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d and cause them to mechanically expand and contract in the longitudinal direction in response to the alternating voltage potential. When the alternating voltage potential is in a frequency range of approximately 30-100 kHz, the alternating voltage potential causes the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. In one example, operational frequency of alternating voltage potential is approximately 55.5 kHz. Further, in one aspect, the transducer assembly is configured to resonate at 40 kHz. Additionally, in one aspect, the ultrasonic transducer 2504 may comprise compression elements, similar to or the same as compression elements 210 discussed above, located at the ends of the piezoelectric elements 2508 a and 2508 d.

As shown in FIG. 26, the end mass 2506 has a distal portion having an opening 2513 defined therein for receiving the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and a wall 2517 that surrounds and houses the ultrasonic transducer 2504 when it is inserted into the opening 2513 defined by the distal portion of the end mass 2506. The end mass 2506 may include internal threads on an inner wall surface allowing for the end mass 2506 to be torqued into place with respect to the housing 2502. The horn shaped portion 2520 of the housing 2520 may serve the function of amplifying the displacement of the ultrasonic transducer 2504, and the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d of the ultrasonic transducer 2504 are configured to be compressed against the interior surface 2528 of the horn shaped portion 2520 of the housing 2502. According to various aspects, the diameter of the ultrasonic transducer 2504 may be smaller that the inner diameter of the end mass 2506. Accordingly, a gap 2505 may be defined between the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and the interior of the end mass 2506. This allows for insertion of the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and prevents the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d from coming into unwanted contact with an interior surface of the wall 2517 of the end mass 2506.

Moreover, the end mass 2506 comprises a flange 2516. The flange 2516 is shown as an annular ring around the perimeter of the end mass 2506. However, the flange 2516 may be positioned in sections located about the perimeter instead of arranged as a continuous ring. In other aspects, there may be additional flanges similar to and in addition to the flange 2516 located at predetermined locations on the end mass 2506 and/or the housing 2502. Further, the flange 2516 may be located at other locations along the end mass 2506 or the housing 2502. For example, the flange 2516 may be located along the housing 2502 closer to a distal end of the housing 2502. According to various aspects, the flange 2516 may include an O-ring or other elastomeric material member (not shown) that may provide sealing as well as damping of vibrations within the flange 2516 and the end mass 2506 overall. An o-ring may be mounted within a groove or other feature (not shown) of the flange 2516. Also, according to various aspects, the flange 2516 may be replaced with a mass having radial dimensions similar to those of the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and the end mass 2506. A hand piece housing, or other frame member, of a surgical instrument may include corresponding shapes for receiving the flange 2516.

The corresponding engagement of the end mass 2506 and horn shaped portion 2520 of the housing 2502 allows for easier assembly of the transducer assembly 2500 and provides advantages in heat dissipation and potential sealing of the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and the stack of piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d. In other aspects, the end mass 2506 may be threaded on an outside surface in a manner that matches the threads on the horn shaped portion 2520. This enables the horn shaped portion 2520 to fit over the end mass 2506 while compressing the ultrasonic transducer 2504 within the interior of the end mass 2506. The end mass 2506 may engage with the housing 2502 based on any appropriate connection. For example, in one aspect, the end mass 2506 has an attachment surface and the housing 2502 has an attachment surface with corresponding threads for engaging the end mass 2506 and the horn shaped portion 2520. In another aspect, the end mass 2506 may be adhered to the housing 2502 using a glue or epoxy of appropriate strength. In still another aspect, the end mass 2506 and housing may be welded together. Furthermore, the engagement between the end mass 2506 and the housing 2502 may comprise a seal to prevent foreign materials from entering the area in which the ultrasonic transducer is located.

In addition, the housing 2502 may comprise an attachment end 2522 for attaching a waveguide section or other instrument section. The attachment end 2522 may be threaded or may include a quick connect and/or a locking feature for attachment of other components thereto. In various aspects, the housing 2502 and/or the end mass 2506 each may be constructed as a unitary piece or in sections. Further, the housing 2502 and the end mass 2506 each may be made from a type of metal that is appropriate for the application of the transducer assembly, for example, such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and/or alloys thereof. In other aspects, the housing 2502 may be constructed from other materials, such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, plastic, etc. as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 27, the housing 2502 comprises a conduit section 2510 and a base portion 2520. The base portion 2520 may comprise a first section 2530 having a first diameter, a second section 2532 that tapers from the first diameter to a second diameter, and a third section 2534 having the second diameter. The attachment end 2522 may have a third diameter that allows for attaching a waveguide section or other instrument section. The first section 2530 may also comprise threads (not shown) that correspond to threads on the end mass 2506 that allow for threaded engagement between the housing 2502 and end mass 2506. Additionally, the interior surface 2528 corresponds to the first diameter of the first section 2530 of the base portion 2520. The interior surface 2528 is sized and configured to correspond to the size and shape of an electrode of the ultrasonic transducer 2504. The interior surface 2528 may match the surface area of the electrode to provide a contact surface and electrical coupling between the electrode and the housing 2502. The lumen or fluid passageway 2515 is defined through the conduit section 2510 and the base portion 2520, so that fluid can pass through the entire housing 2502. According to aspects, the housing 2502 may be constructed as a single component with no gaps, seams, etc., enabling ease of cleaning, sanitizing, etc. of the housing 2502. While the base portion 2520 of the housing 2502 has a horn shape shown in FIGS. 25-27, according to other aspects, the housing 2502 may have other shapes and configurations. For example, in one aspect, the housing 2502 may not have a tapered second section 2532. Instead, a transition in the base portion 2520 may comprise an abrupt change between two different diameters of first section 2530 and third section 2534, respectively, while still having the fluid passageway 2515 defined therethrough.

Referring back to FIG. 26, the end mass 2506 may be coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and the end mass 2506 may be fixedly or removably attached with the housing 2502. In one aspect, the ultrasonic transducer 2504 is coupled or bonded to the end mass 2506. The ultrasonic transducer 2504 and the end mass 2506 or the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and the housing 2502 may be bonded together via an adhesive, a weld, or other suitable bonding mechanism. In the aspect shown in FIGS. 25-27, the end mass 2506 is configured to compress an end of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d against an interior, distal surface of the end mass 2506 and to compress another end of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d against the interior, proximal surface 2528 of the housing 2502 when the end mass 2506 is engaged with the housing 2502. The end mass 2506 may be configured to engage with the housing 2502 via a threaded connection. When the end mass 2506 is engaged with the housing 2502, a second end of the ultrasonic transducer 204 is compressed against an interior surface of the end mass 2506. According to aspects, the end mass 2506 may also include one or more channels to allow for wiring to be connected to the ultrasonic transducer 2504. These channels may allow for ultrasonic transducer 2504 to be energized without the use of conductive element 2514. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 25-26, the end mass 2506 may comprise a proximal torqueing feature 2507 a that allows torque to be applied to the end mass 2506. The torqueing feature 2507 a includes four smooth surfaces. In other aspects, the torqueing feature 2507 a may be any type of drive that allows for torqueing the end, for example any type of screw drive. Furthermore, according to the aspect shown in FIGS. 25-27, the housing 2502 may also comprise a distal torqueing feature 2507 b, similar to the proximal torqueing feature 2507 a, which also may include four smooth surfaces.

Similar to the piezoelectric elements 208 a-208 d described above, the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, for example, lead zirconate-titanate (PZT), lead meta-niobate, lead titanate, barium titanate or other piezoelectric ceramic material. As shown in FIG. 26, each of the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d have a annular or ring-shaped configuration and are formed as an element with an aperture defined therethrough. In addition, the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d comprise a borehole 2527 through each element that allows for assembly of other features of the ultrasonic transducer 2504. In other aspects, the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d may have a different shape, different surface characteristics, such as additional apertures for bonding a plurality of elements together, and the elements may have an appropriate aspect factor for a particular application. Additionally, the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d may be energized via positive electrodes 2509 b, 2509 d and negative electrodes 2509 a, 2509 c, 2509 e positioned between the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d and at the ends of the piezoelectric elements 2508 a and 2508 e as shown in FIG. 26. The positive and negative electrodes 2509 a-2509 e may be electrically coupled to wires via conductive element 2514 and the wires may be encased within a cable and electrically connectable to an ultrasonic signal generator of an ultrasonic system as described above. Some or all of the electrodes 2509 a-2509 e may be the same as or similar to electrodes 209 a-209 e described previously.

As shown in FIG. 26, each of positive electrodes 2509 b, 2509 d, negative electrodes 2509 a, 2509 c, 2509 e, and the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d that make up the ultrasonic transducer 2504, each have a borehole 2527 extending therethrough. The ultrasonic transducer 204 of the transducer assembly 2500 is configured to convert an electrical signal from an ultrasonic generator, such as generator 102 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, into mechanical energy that results in primarily a standing acoustic wave of longitudinal vibratory motion of the ultrasonic transducer 2504 and an end effector (not shown in FIGS. 25-26) at ultrasonic frequencies. In another aspect, the vibratory motion of the ultrasonic transducer 2504 may act in a different direction. For example, the vibratory motion may comprise a local longitudinal component of a more complicated motion of the tip of the ultrasonic instrument. When the transducer assembly 2500 is energized, a vibratory motion standing wave may be generated through the transducer assembly 2500. The transducer assembly 2500 may be designed to operate at a resonance such that an acoustic standing wave pattern of a predetermined amplitude is produced. The amplitude of the vibratory motion at any point along the transducer assembly 2500 may depend upon the location along the transducer assembly 200 at which the vibratory motion is measured. A minimum or zero crossing in the vibratory motion standing wave is generally referred to as a node (e.g., where motion is usually minimal), and a local absolute value maximum or peak in the standing wave is generally referred to as an anti-node (e.g., where motion is usually maximal). According to aspects, the distance between an anti-node and its nearest node may be one-quarter wavelength (λ/4).

Furthermore, the plurality of piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d and electrodes 2509 a-e may be bonded via an adhesive, such as with an epoxy or other glue, a weld, or other suitable bonding mechanism. In one aspect, surfaces of a piezoelectric element 2508 a-2508 d may have an adhesive, such as epoxy, placed on it and then an electrode may be placed over the adhesive. The adhesive may be provided in a layer such that it does not interfere with the electrical connections between the electrodes 2509 a-2509 e and the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d and the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d themselves. Further, according to aspects, only some of the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d may be bonded together, instead of the entire number of piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d. In addition, the plurality of piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d may be assembled dry, with no adhesive or bonding mechanism between each of the layers. Additionally, any openings or spacing between the conductive element 2514 and the borehole 2527 through the end mass 2506 may have sealing product, such as solder, epoxy, glue, rubber, or other insulation material, located therein to prevent the entry of foreign substances into the interior compartment formed by the engagement of end mass 2506 and housing 2502.

FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate aspects of electrodes 3002 and 3008, respectively. As shown in FIG. 30, electrode 3002 comprises an annular shaped surface 3001 with an outer edge 3005 and an aperture that defines an inner edge 3007 of the electrode 3002. Electrode 3002 further comprises a plurality of tabs 3003 that extend inward towards the center of the electrode 3002. As shown in FIG. 31, similar to electrode 3002, electrode 3008 comprises an annular shaped surface 3001 with an outer edge 3005 and an aperture that defines an inner edge 3007 of the electrode 3008. Electrode 3008 further comprises a plurality of tabs 3009 that extend outward, away from the center of the electrode 3008. The electrode tabs 3003 and 3009 serve to provide both an electrical conductivity path as well as a centering function during the process of constructing the transducer assembly 2500. Accordingly, the tabs 3003 may be sized and configured to contact the conductive element 2514 to provide for electrical energization of the piezoelectric elements 2508 a-2508 d of the ultrasonic transducer 2504. Additionally, tabs 3009 may be sized and configured to contact the inside surface of the wall of the end mass 2506, to provide an electrical ground for the ultrasonic transducer 2504. In one aspect, each of tabs 3003, 3009, can be twisted during construction of the transducer assembly 2500, such that the contacting edge/region of a tab aligns more favorably with the motion of the contacting surface of the mating part during assembly of the transducer assembly 2500.

FIG. 32 provides an illustration of the contact made between the tabs 3003 of electrode 3002 and conductive element 2514 during assembly of the components. One or more of tabs 3003 may have solder 3010 present thereon, to establish an electrical connection between the electrode 3002 and the conductive element 2514. In one aspect, the solder 3010 may be placed on the tab 3003 after the electrode 3002 has been put into place, for example, by twisting the electrode 3002 over the conductive element 2514, at a location along the conductive element 2514. In another aspect, the tab 3003 may be pre-soldered, such that the solder 3010 is placed on the tab 3003 prior to assembly of the electrode 3002 and conductive element 2514. The solder 3010 may be heated, for example, during a reflow soldering process or by direct heating applied to the solder, to complete a connection. According to aspects, tabs 3009 of electrode 3008 may be pre-soldered and connected to a surface in the same or similar fashion. In one aspect, solder may be used where the contact pressure between the conductive element or other surface and the electrode tabs 3003, 3009 becomes insufficient, and the tabs 3003, 3009 could be pre-soldered, installed, and necessary heat applied to the conductive element or other surface to melt the solder and make a gas-tight connection.

While various details have been set forth in the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the various aspects of the surgical system with user adaptable techniques employing simultaneous energy modalities based on tissue parameters may be practiced without these specific details. For example, for conciseness and clarity, selected aspects have been shown in block diagram form rather than in detail. Some portions of the detailed descriptions provided herein may be presented in terms of instructions that operate on data that is stored in a computer memory. Such descriptions and representations are used by those skilled in the art to describe and convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In general, a technique refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, where a “step” refers to a manipulation of physical quantities which may, though need not necessarily, take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is common usage to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the foregoing discussion, it is appreciated that, throughout the foregoing description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “one aspect,” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in one aspect,” or “in an aspect” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

Some aspects may be described utilizing the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some aspects may be described utilizing the term “connected” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, some aspects may be described utilizing the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, also may mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Although various aspects have been described herein, many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents to those aspects may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed aspects. The following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., aspects of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various aspects of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one aspect, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some forms of the aspects disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of aspects, and that an illustrative aspect of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).

All of the above-mentioned U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in any Application Data Sheet, or any other disclosure material are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistent herewith. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely examples and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated also can be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated also can be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logically interactable components.

In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that “configured to” can generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

Although various aspects have been described herein, many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents to those aspects may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed aspects. The following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result from employing the concepts described herein. The foregoing description of the one or more aspects has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise aspect disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one or more aspects were chosen and described in order to illustrate principles and practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various aspects and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith define the overall scope.

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered examples:

Example 1

A surgical instrument for coagulating and dissecting tissue, the surgical instrument comprising: a transducer assembly comprising:

-   -   a housing;     -   an ultrasonic transducer comprising a plurality of piezoelectric         elements and a plurality of electrodes arranged in a stack         configuration, wherein an electrode is located between each pair         of solid piezoelectric elements;     -   an end mass positioned adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic         transducer, wherein the end mass is configured to engage with         the housing; and     -   wherein the end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic         transducer against an interior surface of the housing when the         end mass is engaged with the housing.

Example 2

The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements have a longitudinal axis and the end mass has a longitudinal axis that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the plurality of piezoelectric elements.

Example 3

The surgical instrument of Example 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises a portion having an opening defined therein, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to fit within the portion of the housing and the end mass is configured to engage with the housing via a threaded connection between the end mass and the portion of the housing.

Example 4

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is a solid piezoelectric element.

Example 5

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 4, wherein the stack configuration further comprises:

-   -   a first electrode located at a first end of the stack         configuration and in contact with one surface of a first         piezoelectric element; and     -   a second electrode located at a second end of the stack         configuration and in contact with one surface of a second         piezoelectric element.

Example 6

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 5, further comprising an alignment feature configured to provide a gap between the plurality of piezoelectric elements and a side wall of the interior surface of the housing.

Example 7

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 6, wherein the end mass comprises a torqueing feature that allows torque to be applied to the end mass.

Example 8

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 7, wherein the transducer assembly is configured to resonate at 40 kHz.

Example 9

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 8, wherein the end mass is configured to engage with the housing via a threaded connection.

Example 10

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 9, wherein a first piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements and a second piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements are electrically connected in parallel.

Example 11

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 10, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is sealed within the housing.

Example 12

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 11, wherein the end mass is bonded to the housing to create a seal around the interior surface of the housing.

Example 13

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 12, further comprising an electrical contact that is configured to electrically couple to an exterior surface of the housing.

Example 14

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 13, further comprising a surgical instrument housing, wherein the transducer assembly is located with the surgical instrument housing and is configured to be rotatable within the surgical instrument housing.

Example 15

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 14, further comprising a spacer element, wherein the spacer element is located at a first end of the stack configuration and wherein a first end of the end mass contacts the spacer element when the end mass compresses the ultrasonic transducer.

Example 16

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 15, wherein, when the end mass compresses the ultrasonic transducer against the interior surface of the housing, the first end of the ultrasonic transducer contacts a first end of the end mass and a second end of the ultrasonic transducer is compressed against the interior surface of the housing.

Example 17

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through Example 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is a solid piezoelectric element having a disk shape.

Example 18

A surgical instrument for coagulating and dissecting tissue, the surgical instrument comprising:

-   -   a transducer assembly comprising:         -   a housing;         -   an ultrasonic transducer comprising a plurality of solid             piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes             arranged in a stack configuration having a longitudinal             axis, a first end, and a second end, wherein an electrode is             located between each pair of solid piezoelectric elements,             an electrode is located at the first end of the stack             configuration, and an electrode is located at the second end             of the stack configuration;         -   an end mass positioned along the longitudinal axis adjacent             a first end of the ultrasonic transducer and coupled to the             ultrasonic transducer, wherein the end mass is configured to             engage with the housing; and         -   wherein the end mass is configured to compress the             ultrasonic transducer against an interior surface of the             housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing; and         -   wherein a first solid piezoelectric element of the plurality             of solid piezoelectric elements and a second solid             piezoelectric element of the plurality of solid             piezoelectric elements are electrically connected in             parallel.

Example 19

A surgical instrument for coagulating and dissecting tissue, the surgical instrument comprising:

-   -   a transducer assembly comprising:         -   a housing;         -   an ultrasonic transducer comprising:             -   a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of                 electrodes arranged in a stack configuration having a                 first end and a second end, wherein a first electrode is                 located between a first pair of piezoelectric elements,                 a second electrode is located between a second pair of                 piezoelectric elements, a third electrode is located at                 the first end of the stack configuration, and a fourth                 electrode is located at the second end of the stack                 configuration;             -   a first spacer element in contact with the third                 electrode;             -   a second spacer element in contact with the fourth                 electrode;         -   an end mass having a first end, a second end, and an             aperture therethrough, the end mass being positioned             adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein             the end mass is configured to engage with the housing;         -   wherein the end mass is configured to compress the             ultrasonic transducer against an interior surface of the             housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing; and         -   wherein the first end of the end mass contacts the first             spacer element when the end mass compresses the ultrasonic             transducer; and         -   wherein the second spacer element contacts the interior             surface of the housing when the end mass compresses the             ultrasonic transducer.

Example 20

A surgical instrument for coagulating and dissecting tissue, the surgical instrument comprising:

-   -   a transducer assembly comprising:         -   a housing;         -   an ultrasonic transducer comprising:             -   a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of                 electrodes arranged in a stack configuration having a                 first end and a second end, wherein a first electrode is                 located between a first pair of piezoelectric elements,                 a second electrode is located between a second pair of                 piezoelectric elements, a third electrode is located at                 the first end of the stack configuration, and a fourth                 electrode is located at the second end of the stack                 configuration;             -   a first spacer element in contact with the third                 electrode;             -   a second spacer element in contact with the fourth                 electrode;         -   an end mass having a first end, a second end, and an             aperture therethrough, the end mass being positioned             adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein             the end mass is configured to engage with the housing;         -   wherein the end mass is configured to compress the             ultrasonic transducer against an interior surface of the             housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing; and         -   wherein the first end of the end mass contacts the first             spacer element when the end mass compresses the ultrasonic             transducer; and         -   wherein the second spacer element contacts the interior             surface of the housing when the end mass compresses the             ultrasonic transducer.

Example 21

The surgical instrument of Example 20, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements have a longitudinal axis and the end mass has a longitudinal axis that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the plurality of piezoelectric elements.

Example 22

The surgical instrument of Example 20 or 21, wherein the end mass comprises a distal portion having an opening defined therein, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to fit within the distal portion of the end mass and the housing is configured to engage with the end mass via a threaded connection between the housing and the distal portion of the end mass.

Example 23

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 20 through 22, wherein the end mass comprises a wall that at least partially surrounds and houses the ultrasonic transducer.

Example 24

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 20 through 23, wherein the electrode is a first electrode and wherein the ultrasonic transducer further comprises: a second electrode located at the first end of the ultrasonic transducer and in contact with one surface of a first piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements; and a third electrode located at a second end of the ultrasonic transducer and in contact with one surface of a second piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements.

Example 25

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 20 through 24, wherein the end mass comprises a torqueing feature that allows torque to be applied to the end mass.

Example 26

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 20 through 25, wherein the end mass is configured to engage with the housing via a threaded connection.

Example 27

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 20 through 26, further comprising a conductive element adjacent the conduit section of the housing.

Example 28

The surgical instrument of Example 27, wherein the conductive element at least partially surrounds the conduit section of the housing and is electrically isolated from the conduit section.

Example 29

The surgical instrument of Example 27, further comprising an insulator between the conductive element and the conduit section.

Example 30

The surgical instrument of Example 27, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled to the conductive element.

Example 31

The surgical instrument of Example 27, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled to the conductive element via at least one tab of the electrode.

Example 32

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 20 through 31, wherein the end mass is bonded to the housing to create a seal around an interior compartment defined when the housing and the end mass are engaged.

Example 33

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 20 through 32, further comprising a surgical instrument housing, wherein the transducer assembly is located with the surgical instrument housing.

Example 34

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 20 through 33, wherein, when the end mass compresses the ultrasonic transducer against the interior surface of the housing, the first end of the ultrasonic transducer contacts an interior surface of the end mass and a second end of the ultrasonic transducer is compressed against the interior surface of the housing.

Example 35

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 20 through 34, wherein the electrode comprises an outer edge and an aperture that defines an inner edge of the electrode.

Example 36

The surgical instrument of Example 35, wherein the inner edge comprises at least one tab extending towards a center of the aperture.

Example 37

The surgical instrument of Example 35, wherein the outer edge comprises at least one tab extending outwards from a center of the aperture.

Example 38

A surgical instrument for coagulating and dissecting tissue, the surgical instrument comprising:

-   -   a transducer assembly comprising:         -   a housing comprising a conduit section and a base portion,             wherein a fluid passageway is defined through the conduit             section and the base portion;         -   an ultrasonic transducer comprising a plurality of             piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes             arranged in a stack configuration, the ultrasonic transducer             having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end,             wherein a first borehole is defined through the ultrasonic             transducer, wherein a first electrode is located between             each pair of piezoelectric elements, a second electrode is             located at the first end of the ultrasonic transducer, and a             third electrode is located at the second end of the             ultrasonic transducer;         -   an end mass comprising a second borehole defined             therethrough, the end mass positioned along the longitudinal             axis and adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer,             wherein the end mass is configured to engage with the             housing; and         -   wherein the conduit section of the housing is configured to             pass through the first borehole of the ultrasonic transducer             and the second borehole of the end mass; and         -   wherein the end mass is configured to compress the             ultrasonic transducer against a surface of the housing when             the end mass is engaged with the housing; and         -   wherein a first piezoelectric element of the plurality of             piezoelectric elements and a second piezoelectric element of             the plurality of piezoelectric elements are electrically             connected in parallel.

Example 39

A transducer assembly comprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a conduit section and a base portion,         wherein a fluid passageway is defined through the conduit         section and the base portion;     -   a conductive element at least partially surrounding the conduit         section of the housing; and     -   a insulator positioned between the conductive element and the         conduit section, wherein the insulator electrically isolates the         conductive element from the conduit section;     -   an ultrasonic transducer comprising a plurality of piezoelectric         elements and a plurality of electrodes arranged in a stack         configuration, the ultrasonic transducer having a longitudinal         axis, a first end, and a second end, wherein a first borehole is         defined through the ultrasonic transducer, wherein a first         electrode is located between each pair of piezoelectric         elements, a second electrode is located at the first end of the         ultrasonic transducer, and a third electrode is located at the         second end of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the first         electrode is electrically coupled to the conductive element; and     -   an end mass comprising a second borehole defined therethrough,         the end mass positioned along the longitudinal axis and adjacent         a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the end mass         is configured to engage with the housing; and     -   wherein the conduit section of the housing is configured to pass         through the first borehole of the ultrasonic transducer and the         second borehole of the end mass; and     -   wherein the end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic         transducer against a surface of the housing when the end mass is         engaged with the housing; and     -   wherein a first piezoelectric element of the plurality of         piezoelectric elements and a second piezoelectric element of the         plurality of piezoelectric elements are electrically connected         in parallel. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument for coagulating and dissecting tissue, the surgical instrument comprising: a transducer assembly comprising: a housing; an ultrasonic transducer comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes arranged in a stack configuration, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes is located between at least one pair of the plurality of piezoelectric elements; an end mass positioned adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the end mass is configured to engage with the housing; and wherein the end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against an interior surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing.
 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising an alignment feature configured to provide a gap between the plurality of piezoelectric elements and the interior surface of the housing.
 3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein: the ultrasonic transducer is configured to fit within a portion of the housing, the portion defines an opening therein; and the end mass is configured to engage with the housing via a threaded connection between the end mass and the portion of the housing.
 4. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is a solid and disk shaped piezoelectric element.
 5. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the stack configuration comprises: a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes located at a first end of the stack configuration, wherein the first electrode is in contact with a surface of a first piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements; and a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes located at a second end of the stack configuration, wherein the second electrode is in contact with a surface of a second piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements.
 6. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the transducer assembly is configured to resonate at 40 kHz.
 7. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein: the end mass is bonded to the housing to create a seal around the interior surface of the housing; and the ultrasonic transducer is sealed within the housing.
 8. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising an electrical contact that is configured to electrically couple to an exterior surface of the housing.
 9. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a surgical instrument housing, wherein the transducer assembly is located within the surgical instrument housing and is configured to be rotatable within the surgical instrument housing.
 10. The surgical instrument of claim 5, further comprising a spacer element configured to contact the end mass upon the end mass compressing the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the spacer element is located at the first end of the stack configuration.
 11. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein a first piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements and a second piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements are electrically connected in parallel.
 12. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising: a first spacer element in contact with a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the first spacer element is configured to contact a first end of the end mass when the end mass is engaged with the ultrasonic transducer; a second spacer element in contact with a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the second spacer element is configured to contact the interior surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the ultrasonic transducer; the first electrode of the plurality of electrodes located at a first end of the stack configuration; and the second electrode of the plurality of electrodes located at a second end of the stack configuration. 